'Splash' Too Dangerous Or Critics Too Squeamish?

The first season cast of "Splash" | Photo: Google Images/ABC

Splash, the hit new reality competition show on ABC, has garnered some scrutiny from many news outlets on being too dangerous for the celebrity contestants involved. 

The show has seen its share of injuries. Chelsea Lately star, Chuy Bravo, fractured his foot and didn't even compete. Nicole Eggert, Rory Bushfield and Katherine Webb were among the more seriously injured of those who competed. Others received minor injuries as well.

According to Deadline, an assistant to one of the contestants on the Chinese version of the show drowned in the pool.

Now many news outlets are asking the question: is this type of show too dangerous?

I'm sorry, but the celebrities, trainers and everyone else involved know what they're getting themselves into when they sign up. It's the nature of the beast.

Diving is no cupcake of a sport. You will get injured, especially if you're just starting out like these celebrities. Even the pros themselves get injured. The mentor for the celebrity contestants, champion diver Greg Louganis, suffered an injury during the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. You didn't hear anyone say "diving should be banned" because of injuries like his and many others, now did you?

The bottom line is I hate that anyone has to get hurt doing this. The celebrities on the show have a lot more bravery than I would ever have. But, just because they get injured, we shouldn't be running around and criticizing the show. 

People have gotten injured on other shows before. Look at Dancing With The Stars for instance. A contestant on the current season, Dorothy Hamill, had to leave the competition with a back injury that could've become more serious had she not quit dancing. 

People have also gotten injured on the CBS show Survivor - and had to be taken away from the show for more treatment in some cases - but you don't hear anyone questioning if that show should stay on TV.

I care about the safety of others but, in my opinion, the criticism needs to stop unless the shows are being negligent in the treatment and care of contestants - which they're not. If you're going to criticize one show you need to do the same for others. I can't help but wonder if the same criticism would be given if normal, everyday people were the contestants instead of celebrities.