Health & Medical Implications for Swimmers
Asthma
Swimming is an excellent exercise for people with asthma. If exercise induces asthma, the swimmer needs to consult his/her medical practitioner for advice on prevention pre-exercise strategies. The swimmer needs to warm up immediately after leaving the pool in cooler weather and should not go out into the cold with wet hair (wear a warm cap).
Heart Conditions
- Swimmers with heart conditions may exhibit shortness of breath, an irregular pulse, swelling of the ankles and distention of the veins of the neck with exercise.
- Activity needs to begin easy to build up tolerance level.
- The athlete must have medical clearance to swim.
Pressure Sores
Redness of the skin is evident. The swimmer needs to be encouraged to dry off properly.
Shunt
Some people (e.g., people with spina bifida), due to excess fluid around the brain tissue, have a valve, commonly known as a shunt, inserted to control the condition. This shunt is inserted at the base of the skull. When handling these swimmers, extra care is needed in the head and neck region.
Epilepsy
With a few sensible precautions, people with epilepsy can safely enjoy all the benefits of sport.
Considerations for safe swimming
- Never swim alone.
- Only swim where the athlete feels safe and confident.
- Do not swim if your athlete feels sick or has missed medications.
- Make sure that your athletes are accompanied and/or observed by a strong swimmer who can assist them.
- Swimmers do not need to swim deeper than their partner's shoulder height, unless they have lifesaver qualifications and experience.
- Always tell the person you are with that you have epilepsy.
- Make sure that the person knows what to do in the event of a seizure.
