QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) Urges Water Safety Following Recent Spinal Injuries- ONE DIVE. ONE MOMENT. A LIFETIME CHANGED

South Africa — January 6, 2026 — The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) is deeply concerned after reports of seven young men sustaining severe neck injuries from diving into shallow water over the past 8 weeks. The Spinal Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital has indicated that these men have sustained permanent damage to their necks and will never walk again according to Professor Nicholas Kruger. These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for spinal cord injury (SCI) prevention, especially during the festive season when water activities and alcohol use are popular.

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Life-Changing and PreventableDiving into unknown or shallow waters can result in catastrophic injuries, including permanent paralysis. A single moment of misjudgment can lead to a lifetime of physical, emotional and financial challenges. QASA urges all South Africans to make water safety a priority.

Essential Water Safety Tips:

• Check the depth before diving. Never assume water is deep enough.
• Feet first, always. If you are unsure of the depth, enter the water feet first.
• Avoid alcohol when swimming or diving. Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risk.
• Supervise and educate. Share these tips with friends and family, especially young people.

A Message from QASA:“I am living proof of how one moment can change everything. A single dive into a shallow pool left me quadriplegic. I urge everyone who visits beaches, lakes, swimming pools, or dams: please test the depth before you dive. That one simple action can save your life or prevent a life-changing injury. No one should have to learn this lesson the way I did.”- Ari Seirlis, Board Member at QASA

"Spinal cord injuries are devastating but entirely preventable. We urge everyone to think twice before diving and to make safety a priority, always," says Ashley Scott, General Manager at QASA. “Alcohol use is also linked with the main causes of Spinal Cord Injuries such as Motor Vehicle Crashes and Interpersonal Violence, with diving in shallow water being no exception. QASA will prioritise these recent injuries to ensure that the victims receive support, as well as creating an effective prevention campaign to reduce such incidents of injury”.

Call to Action:Help us spread the word. Share these safety tips and visit www.qasa.co.za for more information on spinal cord injury prevention and support services. The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) calls on lifeguard organisations to stand with us in raising awareness about the very real dangers of diving into untested water.

About QASA:The QuadPara Association of South Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries through advocacy, support, and prevention initiatives, with the vision that all quadriplegics and paraplegics live their lives to their full potential. If you are interested in collaborating with us or making a donation, please visit www.qasa.co.za