Swimming
Swimming can be a safe and enjoyable activity for persons with epilepsy. - Never swim alone; always swim with an experience swimmer.
- 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.
- Inform lifeguards, camp counsellors or swimming instructors about your seizure disorder.
- Swim when the pool is not busy.
- Ensure that medication has been taken as prescribed.
- Wear an easily identifiable bathing cap or CSA approved flotation device.
- Don't dive unless you have been seizure-free for several years and your physician has approved your diving.
- If flickering light triggers your seizures, be aware of light beneath the surface of the water as well as light reflecting from its surface.
- If hyperventilation triggers your seizures, pace yourself appropriately, and avoid competitive or aggressive swimming.
First Aid Procedures in 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 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 that the person has a medical check-up promptly. (Inhaling or swallowing water may cause medical problems.)
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