Swimming is a great way to stay in shape, but it can also be dangerous, especially if you have epilepsy. Accidents can happen, and if help doesn’t arrive on time, the situation can go bad. If you are epileptic and planning on going swimming, there are some things that you should know before diving in. Read on.
Precautions to take
Always have someone with you in the pool
It’s important to have someone with you when in the pool. If you have a seizure and fall into the water, it can be deadly. You could drown if your body convulses while underwater. Even if you are able to swim back up onto the surface of the water, having an epileptic seizure underwater is dangerous for everyone involved.
Ask your doctor if you can go swimming
Talk with your doctor about this issue. Your doctor will be able to tell you if swimming is safe for you. They will also be able to inform you if there are any other precautions that need to be taken before getting into the water.
Once talking with your doctor has been done, it’s time to check in with them again before going swimming. This way, they will know how well-controlled your seizures have been recently and what kind of control they have over them now. If they say that they don’t think there is anything wrong with getting into the pool right away, then go ahead. But if not, it’s better to stay away from the pool.
Take swimming lessons
Swimming is a great way to relax and reduce stress. It also helps you feel confident, which will help you get over your fear of the water. If you are epileptic, swimming lessons can be a great way for you to learn how to swim safely in your pool.
Swimming requires a lot of practice. So it’s important that if someone has epilepsy, they should take extra precautions when learning how to swim well. Enroll yourself in swimming lessons so that no one gets hurt.
Avoid swimming in open water
Open water is different from newcastle swimming pools and should be avoided if you are epileptic. In open water, there are more objects that could cause seizures to occur. These include floating debris and animals like fish that might come near you while you’re swimming in the lake or river.
If possible, avoid open-water activities such as fishing or diving until after your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
Consider a pool alarm
If you’re epileptic and want to go swimming, consider getting a pool alarm that alerts you when the water reaches your waist. This can be as simple as a wristband or bracelet. It may also be tied to a fence or wall at the edge of your fibreglass pool. You could also consider purchasing an alarm that attaches to your bathing suit. This way, it will make a sound if someone or something gets too close to you while you are swimming.
Use a lifejacket or personal flotation device
Lifejackets should be comfortable but not too tight. They should also have no holes or tears and be well-maintained. This will also ensure that if you have a seizure when swimming, you don’t drown.
Don’t over-exert yourself beyond your limits
Never swim too far. If you are epileptic, it is important to keep your distance from the edge of your pool. You should never go beyond the limits of your pool, as this could result in serious injury or even death.
Also, you should never swim too fast. Some people with epilepsy experience convulsions while swimming, and this can make them feel dizzy or sick. This is especially true if they try to do it at an extremely rapid pace. It could lead to drowning if they fall into deep water while doing so.
Don’t take any chances with how much time you spend in the water by overdoing things like jumping from one end of a pool into another without stopping first. Also, you shouldn’t dive too deep underwater.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially of things that might trigger your seizure
Be aware of any shimmering sunlight across the pool surface. This also includes flashing lights which may precipitate a seizure. You should try to avoid them as much as you can If you have a seizure in the water, call for help as soon as possible.
Make sure there is enough sugar in your bloodstream
If you are epileptic, it is essential that you know exactly how much sugar is in your bloodstream before swimming. Do not eat or drink anything with sugar in it for at least 2 hours after swimming.
If a seizure occurs during or just after swimming:
Call for an ambulance immediately and tell them about any symptoms of epilepsy (convulsions)
If possible, lie down on the ground with your head lower than your heart level until someone comes to help you.
Swim on the outside lanes
Swim on the outside lanes so that lifeguards can easily reach you if you have a seizure in the water. If you have a seizure while swimming, the lifeguard can pull you out of the water and call for medical help.
Inform the lifeguard about your condition and how they can help you in case you have a seizure in the water
If you have epilepsy, the lifeguard at your swimming pool should know that. They can help to keep an eye on you and call the ambulance if needed. The lifeguards will also be able to ensure that other swimmers are aware of your condition. They can ask them not to touch or splash water towards you.
Conclusion
Epilepsy is a serious condition. If you are not careful, it can have some serious effects. While it’s not impossible to go swimming if you have epilepsy, it is important that you are careful and take some precautions. We hope that you’ll find these tips helpful as you prepare for a swim in your pool. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! If you have any questions about swimming with epilepsy or any other health concerns, talk to your doctor.
