Head chef physician warns against dangerous diving mistakes

The head of the emergency department at Aarhus University Hospital has warned against the dangers of diving headfirst into unknown waters, as summer heat draws Danes to beaches and cold dips.

Speaking to DR, chief physician Lubna Rafiq Kokholm said the hospital sees a spike in head-first diving accidents every year when warm weather arrives. Such incidents can result in severe neck and spinal injuries, potentially leading to permanent paralysis in the arms and legs.

“It’s often young, adventurous people who attempt these dangerous dives and end up with these kinds of injuries,” Kokholm said.

She urged bathers to check water depth before diving, even in familiar locations, as conditions can change. Ignoring warning signs and diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—both of which impair judgment—were also strongly discouraged.

“When people are under the influence, they become overconfident. We see this in many types of accidents. Reaction time and risk assessment worsen, and that’s often when things go wrong,” she added.