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Swimming Safety: Think 'Feet First' When Diving Into Pool Or Lake

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Many Michiganders will head out to a pool or lake this Labor Day weekend.

But it's important to be safe when diving into the water.

University of Michigan neurosurgeon Karin Muraszko says to prevent a spinal cord injury think 'feet first' before you dive into the water reports WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.

"They have to be aware of their surroundings, and that means not taking unnecessary risks," said Muraszko. "The safest thing is to dive into an area feet first, because that will protect you -- there may be some minor injuries to the legs themselves, but certainly you will not cause a major spinal cord injury."

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are more than 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries each year.

Diving is the fourth leading cause of spinal cord injury for men and the fifth for women.

SpinalCord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance.

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