Are you familiar with this recent study about the large number of diving board related injuries? - [video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Tdp_7q3N4 / [article] http://www.suite101.com/content/recreational-diving-board-injuries-a125428.
After coming across this study (and realizing that diving boards were removed from my childhood community centers) I wondered how we could make diving boards safer and less hazardous. When I have children I want them to enjoy diving boards like I did as a child. After hours of thought and contemplation, I thought of diving board bumpers.
Diving board bumpers are shock absorbing bumpers secured along diving board edges to absorb shock a trauma should a diver strike them (I currently have a patent pending). A few great features are: they may be tapered to better fit the board; they may be manufactured in various designs; they have the potential to lower insurance premiums for owners of diving boards.
What are your thoughts? Would you buy these for your children? Any suggestions as to what companies may be interested in promoting diving board safety?
Comments
Thanks for your comments and insight! You raise great points. The idea is for the edges of the bumpers to be rounded, which aims to prevent tripping. Also, the rounded edges may be tapered to better fit the board and prevent tripping. For example, the thickness of the bumper may be minimal on the edges while still providing a shock absorbing cushion. Yes, a diver will feel the bumper underneath his/her feet but this should not inhibit his/her ability to jump off the board.
Unfortunately, no clinical studies have been conducted at this time. I have been actively searching for companies interested in testing out this product. Several manufacturers have expressed interest in creating this product, but alas, there is much more research that must go into these bumpers, which is why I am hoping that a pool company interested in licensing this invention will initiate the research and development phase.