The 411 on Swimming with Epilepsy

Swimming is a fun summertime activity. However, it can be difficult for those of us living with epilepsy. When is it if ever okay to go swimming? According the to International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), a person with epilepsy may  go swimming if the neurologist or epileptologist  thinks it is okay. Usually, if the person's last seizure happened a while ago. However, caution must be exercised when going swimming. Here are some tips if you or a loved one with epilepsy decides to go swimming this summer:

1. Do not swim in an open area. The temperature of the water may be a possible trigger to some folks with epilepsy. Pools are better at controlling the temperature.  Also if you are in open water such as a lake or ocean, the lifeguards may not get to you as quickly in case of an emergency.
2. Swim in an area where the lifeguards can see you. The outside lanes are the best places in case you or a loved one has a seizure in the water. 
3.  Inform the lifeguards on duty about your epilepsy. Tell them what they can do in case you do have a seizure in the water. The more people who know, the less chance there will be of people panicking in the pool. 
4. Visit the pool at quieter times of the day. Not only is it better to find a parking space, but it can help reduce the stress levels and the anxiety that can occur at the pool.
5. Don't overdo it! Wearing yourself out can trigger a seizure.
6. Make sure you eat and or drink something beforehand with natural sugars in it so you don't have low blood sugar levels, a possible trigger for some people with epilepsy.
7. If you are not a good, strong swimmer, consider wearing armbands or a life jacket. They make epilepsy life jackets for anyone who has epilepsy. 
8. Most importantly, NEVER SWIM ALONE! Always make sure there is a lifeguard on duty. If there is no lifeguard, have a  buddy/observer who knows how to perform seizure first aid in case of an emergency. 

People with epilepsy are at an increased risk for drowning, anywhere from 5 to fifteen times. Drowning can occur in as little as an inch of water. This can happen for those at risk for Sudden Unexplained Death in EPilepsy (SUDEP). In case you see someone with epilepsy have a seizure in water, here are some steps to take:

1. Gently support the head so that it is above water.
2. Guide the person to a shallower area in the swimming pool where they can stand and provide support. 
3. NEVER restrain the movements of someone having a seizure! You can do more harm than help such as breaking a bone or a tooth. 
4. If possible, take the person out of the water once the jerking has stopped and place them in the recovery position.
5. Visit a medical facility who can check  to see if the person swallowed any water. 

 For more information about epilepsy and swimming, you can visit https://www.epsyhealth.com and www.epilepsyallianceamerica.org. 

I hope this saves lives and keeps people seizure free! May your summer activities stay fun.