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“Think before you dive”: HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital raises awareness of shallow diving dangers with new signage

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has launched a new beach safety and injury prevention campaign in collaboration with their trauma department to raise awareness about the dangers of shallow diving in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has launched a new beach safety and injury prevention campaign in collaboration with their trauma department to raise awareness about the dangers of shallow diving in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

  • As part of the initiative, new “Think before you dive” signs have been added to existing waterway signage around the area earlier this month. 

The hospital is also working with local hotels, including the Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach and Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach, to place magnet versions of these signs in rooms to further promote safety and awareness.

Dr. Matthew Johnson, medical director of the trauma center at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, stated that one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries they treat is from individuals diving off boats into the shallow waters around Crab Island in Destin.

  • “The water is so shallow at Crab Island but we see cases where people will dive-in head first. We end up with a lot of quadriplegic patients,” Dr. Johnson said. “I implore people to think before they dive. The consequences are life changing.”

The hospital’s efforts aim to educate visitors and residents about the potential risks associated with diving into shallow waters and encourage them to prioritize their safety while enjoying the area’s beautiful beaches and waterways.

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Community Comments

“All the new WRONG WAY and Do Not Enter signs in the Racetrack Rd median look horrible and confuse everyone. Take them down!”
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“Is this how FWB is "revitalizing" downtown. LOL”
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“85 north was a mess. I left Wright at 6:15 pm going up Lewis Turner. Traffic started backing up about 1 mile before the intersection with 85, so I got...”
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“Was this foul play? Cause of death? Didn't sound like he was dressed to go for a swim when last seen so I wonder why and how did he end...”
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“This sounds like damage control right off??”
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“FWB is dying and it brought it upon itself. The good ol boy system is still in place. We are nothing but a pass thru city. What a joke, these...”
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“You forgot to add tattoo shops, thai restraunts, and smoke shops.”
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“What is the update on this facility?”
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“Another gas station. Just what this crappy city needs. Who is on charge of zoning this crap? All fwb is now is self storage, gas stations, and car washes, and...”
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“It is my understanding that the Earnhardt foundation may be trying to push that track to NASCAR. Right now it features “ car-dominimums” and purchased lot of 440 acres”
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