Water Safety Checklist

• Children with epilepsy must be actively supervised at all times when around water, including during bath time
• Adults with epilepsy should have a buddy with them either in the water or regularly checking up on them
• It is important to not lock the bathroom door, so that someone is able to help immediately
• Take prescription medication as directed by the doctor
• Talk to the doctor about being safe in and around the water
• Consider showering instead of bathing
• At public swimming pools, inform the lifeguard of the adult/child’s medical condition
• Never be alone around water even if you are just walking by the water

It is also important to remember that some swimming pools, such as hotel pools, may not have lifeguards and so carry a greater risk.

At home

• Do not lock the bathroom door in case something happens, so that someone is able to help you quickly
• Take a shower instead of a bath

Swimming and water sports

• Always make sure you swim or recreate with someone else, even if you are just walking by the water. Make sure that your companion(s) know you have epilepsy and how to help you in or out of the water in a manner that is safe for everyone if you have a seizure. This person (or people) should remain close to you all times.
• If you are at a public swimming pool, tell the lifeguards that you have epilepsy and how they should help you in the case of an emergency. Wear a coloured swimming cap so you can be easily identified.
• When participating in any water sport, such as boating, canoeing, windsurfing or sailing, always wear a lifejacket.
• Wear tinted goggles or sunglasses to reduce the risk of seizures if flickering or reflective light is likely to trigger a seizure (photosensitive seizures).

It is important to know that some water sports carry additional risks for people with epilepsy. For example, if a kayak overturns when someone has a seizure, they could be trapped underneath and their buoyancy aid could keep them pressed up under the kayak – this is particularly risky for people with epilepsy as they may be unconscious or only partly conscious at the time.

Underwater swimming and scuba diving

Underwater swimming and scuba diving is not recommended for people with epilepsy. In the case of a seizure, help may not be possible and your chances of survival are greatly reduced.

Open water swimming

Open water swimming in the sea, rivers or lakes is more risky because of cold water temperatures, currents, tides and sudden changes in depth, all of which can make it more difficult to help you if you have a seizure while in the water. Open water swimming is not recommended for people with epilepsy.