More information on spinal injuries in children can be found here, in the Knowledge Center.
Diving injuries are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries in older children and adolescents. Recreational diving accounts for 70% of all acute sports-related spinal cord injuries. Most diving injuries are the result of direct head impact on the pool bottom. In spite of these alarming statistics, most children receive little or no instruction in proper diving techniques.¹
¹Garfin MD, Steven. Orthopaedic Knowledge Update : Spine. Rosemont: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1997.