Letter: 'No diving' a shame

The article "Making waves" [News, Aug. 15], about renovations at the Manorhaven Pool in North Hempstead, says, "Gone is the T-shaped pool and diving area built in 1963.''

What saddens me is the loss of a diving well. It seems that local governments fear that diving boards are dangerous and will result in lawsuits. It is a shame that these decision-makers don't take the time to research "diving accidents." According to diving organizations, most reported "diving accidents" have nothing to do with diving boards at a supervised community pool. The vast majority occur in shallow water, in backyard pools and frequently involve alcohol or drugs.

When I was growing up, the diving area in our pool was always popular, with attentive lifeguards and long lines of kids waiting to jump, dive, and somersault into the pool. Some acquired skill and confidence that allowed them to participate in high school and college programs. I was one of them.

While water slides have a place in area pools, I know my life would have been very different without good diving boards and a deep-water tank. Is "water sliding" likely to become an Olympic event?

Art Kramer, Huntington