At our swim school, the health and safety of every child is our top priority. We understand that some children may have specific health conditions that require additional care or considerations when participating in swimming lessons. Whether your child has asthma, epilepsy, eczema, diabetes, or another medical condition, swimming can often be a beneficial and enjoyable activity — with the right precautions in place.

We strongly encourage parents to consult with their child’s healthcare provider before beginning swimming lessons, especially if the child has a chronic or complex medical condition.pl

General Guidelines

Before enrolling your child in swimming lessons, please inform us of any medical conditions they may have. This allows our instructors and staff to make any necessary accommodations to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

General Illness

Swimmers should not swim if they have an open wound, any infectious disease, cough, cold, ear infection, head lice or stomach upset. Swimmers should not enter the water for 14 days following unexplained diarrhoea..

Common Health Conditions and Considerations

Asthma
Swimming is often recommended for children with asthma, as the warm, humid air around pools can be easier on the lungs than dry air. However, it’s important your child brings their reliever inhaler to every lesson, and that instructors are made aware of their condition and action plan.

Eczema and Skin Sensitivities
Chlorinated water can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Applying a barrier cream before swimming and rinsing thoroughly after can help minimize irritation. Let us know if your child has any special skincare needs.

Epilepsy
Children with epilepsy can usually swim safely under close supervision. We may request a medical clearance, and additional support or one-on-one instruction might be recommended depending on the severity and type of seizures.

Diabetes
Swimming is a great form of exercise for children with diabetes. However, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels before and after lessons. Please inform our staff about any signs to look out for and what to do in case of a low blood sugar episode.

Ear Infections or Tubes
If your child is prone to ear infections or has ear tubes, they may need to wear ear plugs or a swim cap. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

When Swimming Should Be Avoided

While swimming is generally a safe and healthy activity, there are certain conditions where children should temporarily refrain from participating, to ensure their own wellbeing and prevent the spread of illness to others.

Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It presents as blisters or sores that produce a yellowish discharge, often around the mouth and hands. Children with impetigo should not swim until the infection has fully cleared and treatment is complete. Personal hygiene is critical—towels and clothing should not be shared.

Cellulitis
This superficial skin infection causes redness, swelling, and discomfort. Swimming should be avoided until cellulitis has resolved completely, as exposure to water can aggravate the condition and increase the risk of bacterial spread.

Chickenpox and Other Rash Illnesses (Exanthemata)
Children with chickenpox or other contagious rash-causing illnesses (e.g., measles or hand, foot and mouth disease) should stay out of the pool until all symptoms have resolved and any scabs or lesions have fully healed. These conditions are easily spread, especially in group settings like swimming classes.

Communication is Key

We work closely with families to accommodate each child’s needs. The more we know, the better we can support your child’s swim journey. All medical information is handled confidentially and shared only with staff who need to know to provide safe instruction.