Summer Water Safety for People with Epilepsy

By Sylvia Blair
EpilepsyUSA staff
Update Posted: July 26, 2006

Although a study of drowning accidents among people with epilepsy confirms that seizures in the water can be deadly, the Epilepsy Foundation says that people with epilepsy can safely enjoy water activities if they take a few simple precautions.

The study of drowning incidents, conducted in Fla., includes 2,381 drowning deaths reported in that state between 1992 and 1997 (Epilepsia, Vol. 40, Supplement 7, December 1999). Of these, 58 - or 2.4 percent - were reported as seizure-related.

The highest number of seizure-related drowning fatalities were in people between 25 to 34 years old.

To help prevent drowning and other avoidable accidents in the water, the Epilepsy Foundation offers guidelines for safe swimming for people who experience seizures.

"Contrary to what some may believe, most people with seizures can participate in swimming, boating and other water sports. But common sense in following a few basic rules is important in avoiding unnecessary accidents," said Steven C. Schachter, M.D. professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, and director of research, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

The Epilepsy Foundation recommends the following safety measures around water:

• Before going out in the water, consider whether your seizures are under sufficient control to permit swimming.
• Wearing a floatation device that supports the head above water is a good idea. It's especially important for children and, in some cases, adults with seizure disorders.
• People with frequent seizures should never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy who's a good swimmer.
• Inform lifeguards and swimming teachers that you have epilepsy.
• Don't get over-tired or too cold while in the water.
• Don't swim if you have forgotten to take your seizure medication.
• Don't let your seizure medications get wet. Several are known to lose their anticonvulsant effect when exposed to the water.
• If flashing lights bring on your seizures, wear polarized sunglasses to reduce the flicker effect of sunlight on the water and other reflective surfaces.

Additional information on safety and seizures is available in our Information Resource Center.