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Swimming and
Epilepsy
 Swimming
is an excellent way to keep in shape
yet many people are frightened in
case they or their children have a seizure in the water. This leaflet
aims to show that
with a few sensible precautions
people with epilepsy
can enjoy all the benefits of swimming quite safely.
Swimming is often a very
sociable activity. Children
for example
may feel left out if they are
barred from swimming just because of epilepsy
while all their
classmates are playing or learning to swim in the pool. Such segregation
increases the feeling of being 'different' or an outsider. Other
children may then react unfavourably and the child with epilepsy can
feel rejected.
Everyone should learn how
to swim
especially children with epilepsy - it helps with
self-confidence
with social skills and relationships and
most
importantly
it's fun!
Often
those of us with
epilepsy may want to swim
but are prevented by family
friends
teachers or swimming pool staff. Other people sometimes imagine the
worst and decide on our behalf that it is not worth the risk. If so
this page should help calm those fears but
for extra reassurance
they
can telephone the Freephone
Helpline on 0808 800 5050.
Research shows that few
seizures actually occur in the water. This may be because when a person
is enjoyably occupied they are less likely to have a seizure. All sports
and pastimes
including swimming
can help to improve seizure patterns
in some people. However
it is impossible to be certain that a seizure
will not occur
so it is essential to follow a few simple safety
measures.
Safety first
-
Never swim alone and do
not take risks.
-
Make sure there is a
qualified life-saver present (perhaps a friend or relative could
learn). If there isn't one
swim no deeper than your supervisor's or
companion's shoulder height.
-
Always tell a person in
charge if you have epilepsy.
-
Check that the person in
charge or your companion knows what to do if you have a seizure.
-
If you can
practice
with your companion what to do in the event of a seizure - this will
boost your confidence and theirs.
-
Swimming in the sea
lakes or very cold water is dangerous - be sensible.
-
If unwell
don't swim.
-
Avoid overcrowded
situations.
Good
buddies do it together
Those of us with epilepsy
can find it embarrassing to be 'supervised'
especially if we are the
only person being watched over. Swimming in pairs is an American idea
known as the Buddy System and it is becoming popular in the UK. It is
especially useful in swimming classes because it means everyone has a
partner
taking attention away from the person with epilepsy. It also
enables life-saving to be taught in pairs and teaches us all to be aware
of other people's safety.
Once or twice during the
session
someone blows a whistle and you must be able to touch your
partner immediately. If you can't
it means you are too far away from
each other and you have 'lost'. An agreed forfeit may then be paid. If
this partnering method cannot be used it may be better for the
'supervisor' to stay out of the water in case prompt action is needed.
Whichever method is used
supervision needs to be discreet.
How to deal with a seizure in the water
Not all people with
epilepsy have convulsions. Some may simply go blank for a few seconds
(absences)
others may make repeated
aimless movements for a minute or
two (partial seizures). These last two seizure types do not usually
require emergency action
but care needs to be taken that the person
does not sink. When they recover
gently ask if they would like to get
out of the water. They may not realise what happened or they may feel
groggy.
The basic guidelines are:
-
Do not be afraid
the
seizure will probably not last long.
-
From behind
hold the
swimmer's head above water.
-
If possible
tow the
person to shallow water.
-
Do not restrict
movements or place anything in the mouth.
-
Once abnormal movement
has stopped
move the swimmer to dry land.
-
If water has been
swallowed
take the usual resuscitation measures.
-
Place the swimmer on his
or her side to recover.
-
Only call an ambulance
if the person goes from one seizure to another without regaining
consciousness or if the seizure lasts longer than normal
or if there
is injury or a lot of water has been swallowed.
-
If possible
recovery
should be in a private place.
-
Stay with the person
until they feel better.
Should I ask my doctor before going swimming?
It is a good idea to speak
to your doctor first
particularly if the epilepsy is largely
uncontrolled. Both of you need to take into account the type
severity
and frequency of the seizures
known triggers
such as noise
stress
excitement etc.
whether there is any warning before a seizure and what
supervision is available.
However
if you really want
to swim
find a safe and suitable way to do it
using all the
recommendations listed here. Those of us with epilepsy should not allow
it to ruin our quality of life and being a non-swimmer is far more
dangerous than learning to swim in a safe and supervised environment.
Further advice on epilepsy
and swimming is available from Epilepsy Action by using the
Email Helpline or if you live in the UK
by phoning the
Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 5050.
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