A lawsuit has challenged the safety of the tables widely used in scuba diving. Other concerns also have emerged: A condition known as patent foramen ovale may increase the risk of decompression sickness, and studies are raising questions about the long-term effects of diving. (Author/JD)

Describes plastic surgery techniques used to irrigate, debride, and close lacerations caused by surfboards. Head lacerations and nose fractures are the most common injuries. According to a survey, lacerations may be deeper than expected from their surface appearance and wounds may contain surfboard fragments. Injury prevention is discussed. (SM)

Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some people (including those with physical and mental disabilities), water exercise is safer and more effective than working out on land. U.S. researchers need to verify such claims, and standards need to be developed both for water exercise and for instructor training. (SM)

New prevention programs, rescue techniques, and treatment methods are helping to reduce the number and severity of diving accidents, the fourth leading cause of spinal cord injuries. (JD)

Presents results of a study of the physiological responses of uninjured runners to running on a treadmill and in water. Water running may lessen an injured athlete's rate of deconditioning, but indications are that the metabolic cost of water running is not significantly greater than that of treadmill running. (SM)

Recreational watercraft paddlers are susceptible to problems ranging from simple contusions and blisters to drowning. Most of these problems can be prevented by simple precautions, such as proper technique, good warmup, carrying first-aid kits, wearing personal flotation devices, and respecting the environment. (Author/SM)