The Effect of Height on the Dive

The following table summarises velocity of impact, and time-in-the-air, from the various standard heights of 1m, 3m, 5m, and 10m found in municipal swimming baths, as well as from greater heights.

The impact velocity and time of impact vary as the square root of the height. However, there is a limit to how high one can jump from and survive, regardless of water depth. For example, the Golden Gate Bridge is 220feet (66m) high and overlooks water deep enough for a diver not to hit the bottom. However, the result of such a dive would be (almost) certain death.

Jumps from a lesser height can also be dangerous, especially if a diver experiences a bad landing. Not only is there the danger of hitting an object on, or below the surface, there is also the possibility that the diver could be knocked unconscious. In the absence of lifeguards this could result in drowning, even with a jump from a relatively low height.

It should be noted that in heights above 30m, there is little additional time in the air, yet the velocity upon impact increases considerably. Thus, diving from heights above 30m offers no advantage for acrobatics or thrill-seeking, but instead simply increases the risk of injury.