Dive depth and water depth in competitive swim starts

This study investigates the depths achieved by junior elite swimmers performing competitive dive starts. Dive starts of 54 swimmers entering water of 2 m depth were examined to produce data of typical dive depths. Thirty-six of these participants also performed a competitive start into water 1.2 m deep. A comparison of dive depth in both water depth was made. For all dives, swimmers were asked to perform their typical competitive dive start. No instructions were given regarding dive depth. All dives were video-recorded from above and below water. Maximum depth, velocity at maximum depth, distance at maximum depth, angle of entry and flight distance were measured. Competitive swimmers performed shallower dives when entering shallow water. Shallower dives (maximum depth 0.09 m shallower, p=.000) were achieved without significant differences in any other parameters (distance at maximum depth, p=.022; velocity at maximum depth, p=.635; entry angle, p=.070; flight distance, p=.557). As velocity remained unchanged, coaches can instruct swimmers to perform shallower, safer dives without performance disadvantage.