WFSU Local News

To Avoid Further Neck Injuries Among Divers, Okaloosa Officials Roll Out Safety Campaign

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published July 11, 2018 at 2:51 PM EDT

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office wants area residents to “Think Before They Dive.” It’s part of an initiative to promote safety on local waterways.

In 2016, the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center treated nine neck injuries when divers misjudged the shallow waters off Crab Island.

So, the medical center is partnering with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit on two educational campaigns called: “Think Before You Dive” and “Recognize the Signs.”

The goal is to lower injuries and alcohol related incidents on area waterways. Some of the campaigns’ messaging includes “Sober Boating is Safe Boating,” “Head Dive=Neck Injury,” and “Think First=Feet First.”

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

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Sascha Cordner

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.

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