Swimming safely
With a few sensible precautions, people with epilepsy can safely enjoy all the benefits of swimming.
Sometimes people with epilepsy avoid swimming or are barred from swimming because of the fear that they may have a seizure in the water.
The purpose of this information page is to provide some tips about swimming safely as well as how to help someone who has a seizure in the water.
For the person with epilepsy
Consider the following safety recommendations.
- Never swim alone.
- Only swim where you feel safe and confident.
- If you are feeling unwell or have missed your medication, don't swim.
- Make sure there is a strong swimmer with you who could assist you. Otherwise, swim no deeper than your companion's shoulder height.
- Always tell the person you are with that you have epilepsy.
- Make sure that person knows what to do in the event of a seizure.
Please note that strict one to one supervision is strongly recommended for people with poorly controlled epilepsy.
What to do if someone has a seizure in the water
There are many different kinds of seizures.
Some people experience seizures that are characterised by a strange sensation, but remain fully conscious. If this type of seizure occurs in water it does not require emergency action. However, the person may feel tired afterwards or have a headache, so ask if they want to get out of the water.
Other seizures may involve an alteration in the person's level of consciousness. The person experiencing the seizure may seem to be in a trance and make repeated aimless movements for a minute or two, or may lose consciousness and stare or convulse.
If someone has a seizure in the water and their level of consciousness has altered in any way, follow the recommended procedure outlined below.
- Stay with the person.
- Try to stay calm. You can offer valuable assistance.
- You might need extra assistance so call out for help.
- Ensure that the person's head and face stay above the water.
- Do not place anything in their mouth or restrict their movement.
- Guide them away from the sides of the pool to avoid injury.
- Once abnormal movement has stopped, move the person out of the water and lay them on their side to recover.
- Check the person's airway and pulse and commence resuscitation if needed.
- Stay with the person until they have fully recovered.
Please note that even if the breathing seems to have returned to normal and the person appears to have recovered, water may have been inhaled into the lungs.
It is recommended that anyone who has experienced a seizure and an alteration of consciousness whilst in the water should receive a medical check-up immediately.
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