If your child has epilepsy, even common, everyday activities can be risky. This is particularly true if your child has seizures that aren't effectively controlled with medication. That doesn't mean your child shouldn't be allowed to participate in activities they enjoy. It just means that you'll need to take additional precautions to protect. Swimming is one of those activities that will require some extra precautions. Now that the weather has warmed up, here are three tips that will keep your child safe while swimming.
Always Use Life Jackets
If your child has uncontrolled seizures, you need to make sure they always wear a life jacket in the water, regardless of their age and swimming abilities. This includes when they're wading near the ocean. Without the safety of the life jacket, your child could drown during a seizure. For proper protection, make sure that the life jacket you choose fits your child properly, and that it has a safety strap on the back. The safety strap will ensure that you can grab your child quickly in an emergency. If your child is going to be swimming at a friend's house, it's important that you send their life jacket with them. That way they're protected, even if their friends don't have life jackets available.
Assign a Swim Companion
If you're not going to be in the water, it's important that you assign a swimming companion for your child. A designated swimming companion will ensure that your child has someone with them at all times while they're swimming. Make sure you choose someone who understands your child's condition, and knows what to do if your child begins to have a seizure. It's also important that this person be strong enough to pull your child to safety, should the need arise.
Swim Near Lifeguard Towers
If your child is going to be swimming in a large pool, you should always make sure that you're located as close to the lifeguard tower as possible. It's also a good idea to let the lifeguards know about your child's medical condition. Alerting the lifeguards, and having your child swim near the towers, will ensure that the lifeguards are able to provide the proper help, if needed.
If your child has epilepsy, and their seizures are not completely controlled with medication, use the precautions provided here to keep them safe in the water. Talk to your child's neurological doctor about other ways to protect your child during the summer.
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