Swimming with Epilepsy Policy

Conwy County Borough Council operates a Swimming with Epilepsy Policy that has been devised in line with guidance from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and consultation with epilepsy organisations. The main requirements of the policy are shown below:

1. A person with epilepsy who has been free from seizures for a minimum of one year, can use Conwy County Borough Council swimming pools without any special precautions.
2. Individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy whose condition cannot be controlled by medication and parents of children with uncontrolled epilepsy whose condition cannot be controlled by medication should seek their GP's approval for swimming and other forms of sports participation, taking into account the following: the type, severity and frequency of seizures; the presence or absence of warning signs; and known trigger factors e.g. cold water, stress, excitement, noise (particularly in a cold pool), or dazzling lights on the water surface.
3. A person with uncontrolled epilepsy or their parent/guardian and/or carer is required to inform the Leisure Centre reception on arrival. A Duty Manager will then, in partnership with the customer, family or carer, risk assess the needs of the customer to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
4. Under no circumstances can swimming take place without the accompaniment of a companion.  Swimming should not take place if the person or their companion feels unwell.
5. A companion is someone who will accompany and continually observe the swimmer with uncontrolled epilepsy from either inside or outside of the pool; has knowledge of the individual's epilepsy condition; and can recognise a seizure. 
6. Where a companion is accompanying the swimmer from inside the pool, swimming will be restricted to the *companion's standing depth. The companion is required to alert the lifeguard in the event of a seizure to ensure the quickest possible rescue.
7. If the companion can't accompany the person with uncontrolled epilepsy inside the swimming pool, the companion should be on the poolside continually observing.  The companion must position themselves so they can quickly alert a lifeguard in the event of a seizure to ensure the quickest possible rescue. Swimming will be restricted to the *swimmers' standing depth.

* Depending on the risk assessment outcomes, the Duty Manager may consider allowing swimming above standing depth.

Organisers of programmed sessions should inform the leisure centre if any of their members have uncontrolled epilepsy.