Swimming
Swimming can be a safe and enjoyable activity for children and adults with epilepsy when the following guidelines are followed.
- Check with your physician before swimming.
- Don't swim if you feel unwell or tired.
- Whenever possible, swim in a pool rather than in a river, lake or ocean.
- Always swim with an experienced swimmer.
- Inform lifeguards, camp counsellors or swimming instructors about your epilepsy.
- Swim when the pool is not busy.
- Ensure that medication has been taken as prescribed.
- Don't dive unless you have been seizure free for several years and your physician has approved your diving.
- Wear an easily identifiable bathing cap or CSA approved flotation device.
Boating
Follow these precautions when enjoying boating activities:
- Never go out on the water alone.
- Always wear a CSA approved life vest.
- Wear polarized sunglasses if seizures are triggered by flashing light, such as the reflection of sunlight on water (i.e. Zeiss Blue Lens).
First Aid Procedures in the Water
If a seizure occurs while a person is in the water, follow these procedures:
- While in the water
- Turn the person face up.
- Support the face out of the water.
- Tilt head back to keep airway clear.
- Get the person out of the water as soon as possible.
- Once out of the water
- Place person on their left side.
- Check to see if person is breathing.
- If the person is not breathing, begin resuscitation promptly.
- Call an ambulance immediately. This is essential.
- After the emergency
- Ensure person has a medical check-up.