Bathing and swimming can be a concern for a child with uncontrolled epilepsy, but following a few simple guidelines should mean that you don’t have to restrict such pleasurable activity:

• Never leave your child unattended in water.

• In the bath, try to keep your child away from the tap / faucet.

• For a child prone to drop attacks, a shower seat may be useful in the shower.

• Another useful aid for a child prone to drop attacks is a bath seat. The Columbia Wrap-Around Bath Support pictured here provides torso support in the event of a seizure whilst in water for bathing or play. It can be used in the bath tub or wading pool. This website has a variety of safety seats for the bath/shower: http://www.cplqld.org.au/ets/otherproducts/showerbath/bath .

WARNING:  Children have DROWNED while using bath aids. Such devices may give carers a false sense of confidence that the child is safe without supervision. NEVER leave a child unattended in a bath seat. ALWAYS keep your child within arm's reach.

• At public swimming pools, It is a good idea to notify any lifeguards on duty of your child's situation.

• Always stay close at hand when your child is swimming.

• If appropriate, it may be a good idea to hold your child's hand as he/she enters the water or walks close to the edge of the swimming pool.

• Should your child have a seizure when swimming, don’t worry! Just keep them away from the pool's edges, support them, and remove them from the pool once the seizure has stopped and it is safe to do so.

• Consider obtaining medical identification jewellery.

u See also Safety - Protecting your child from injury

u See also Safety - Protective helmets

u See also Safety - Educating your caregiver ¨