What is the required water depth for diving boards that are 5-10 ft above the water?

For diving boards that are positioned 5 to 10 feet above the water's surface, the recommended water depth is over 12 feet. This depth is necessary to ensure the safety of divers by providing adequate space for them to enter the water without risk of hitting the bottom or any submerged objects. The deeper water helps to absorb the impact from the dive and minimizes the likelihood of injury.

When determining the appropriate water depth, it’s essential to consider the height of the diving board and the dynamics of a diver's entry into the water. A deeper pool allows for safer diving practices, particularly for boards on the higher end of this range. This standard is set by safety organizations and health departments to promote safe recreational diving.

While a depth of 8 feet may be suitable for lower diving heights, and depths of 10 feet could potentially accommodate some dives, they do not provide the margin of safety recommended for the taller boards. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that a diving area has a depth exceeding 12 feet for boards situated between 5 to 10 feet high to prevent accidents and ensure divers can dive safely.