Seven young men, who recently jumped into shallow water, have broken their necks and will never walk again. This has led to the Spinal Unit at Grootte Schuur Hospital in Cape Town issuing a safety alert. 

Professor Nicholas Kruger says, “They are now permanently disabled and will never run, play or dance again. “ 

Seven young men, who have recently jumped into shallow water, have broken their necks  

The Head of the Groote Schuur Hospital Spinal Unit, Professor Nicholas Kruger, says this safety alert is targeted at males, teenagers and young adults, who like to dive into water. He says in most of the cases, over the past eight weeks, where the seven men were left paralysed, alcohol was involved. 

Professor Kruger added, “They need to be nursed and cared for by friends and family for the rest of their natural lives. “ 

Diving safety measures 

He has issued some safety measures that can be implemented to prevent serious injuries: 

• Do not get drunk and swim. 

• Do not dive into any water if you are unsure about its depth or cannot see the bottom. 

• If you jump, jump feet first and NOT head first. 

“This year we have had seven devastating spinal cord injuries of young men who dived in shallow water and broke their necks.” 

He has called on young men and teenagers to make good decisions

Professor Kruger has asked people to heed this message, as it may influence the rest of your life. He has called on young men and teenagers to make good decisions. That is to look after your spinal cord. “It’s the only one you have.”

The safety alert initiative came to life after doctors expressed concern after noticing a marked surge in diving-related cervical spine injuries over the last 8 weeks in the Western Cape.