When I first got my ostomy, I was so focused on whether I could swim at all that I never thought about where I should swim. Turns out, the type of water you're in actually matters quite a bit for ostomates. After three years of trial and (thankfully minimal) error, here's what I've learned about swimming safely with an ostomy.
The Water Safety Hierarchy
Let me break this down from safest to most cautious, based on both infection risk and practical considerations:
🏊♀️ Private/Home Pools (Safest)
Why it's great: You control the chemical balance, cleanliness, and who's in it. Plus, your supplies are right there if needed.
Infection risk: Lowest, especially if well-maintained
Practical bonus: Privacy for your first few swims back
🏊♂️ Well-Maintained Public Pools (Very Safe)
Why it's great: Proper chlorination kills most harmful bacteria. Regulated and tested regularly.
What to look for: Clear water, no strong chemical smell (over-chlorination), clean facilities
Best times: Early morning when it's been sitting overnight with chemicals working
🌊 Ocean/Salt Water (Generally Safe)
The good: Salt water is naturally antibacterial. Most ocean beaches are fine for ostomates.
The considerations: Check local water quality reports. Avoid areas near storm drains or after heavy rains.
Pro tip: Waves can be rough on your wafer, so consider a belt or binder
🛁 Hot Tubs/Spas (Use Caution)
Why be careful: Higher temps can loosen your wafer. Bacteria love warm water, and chemicals can be inconsistent.
If you do: Limit time, check wafer after, and make sure it's well-maintained
Skip if: Overcrowded, water looks cloudy, or strong chemical smell
🏞️ Lakes/Rivers/Ponds (Most Caution)
The reality: Natural water can harbor bacteria that's harder to predict. Not off-limits, but requires more thought.
Safer options: Large, moving bodies of water vs. stagnant ponds
Research first: Check local health department water quality reports
What Actually Puts You at Risk?
Let's talk science for a minute. The main concern with ostomates and water isn't your bag leaking into the water (that's not really a thing). It's bacteria potentially getting into your stoma if water enters your bag, or causing skin irritation around your wafer.
But here's the reassuring part: thousands of ostomates swim regularly in all kinds of water without problems. Your risk is only slightly higher than anyone else's, and there are simple ways to minimize it even further.
⚠️ Skip Swimming If:
• Your stoma is irritated or you have broken skin around it
• You're fighting any kind of infection
• Your wafer is already loose or compromised
• The water looks questionable (cloudy, smells off, algae blooms)
Practical Water Safety Tips
Before You Get In
- Check your setup: Make sure your wafer is secure and your bag is empty or nearly empty
- Consider protection: Some people wear a waterproof tape around their wafer edge for extra security
- Research the spot: If it's natural water, check recent water quality reports online
- Bring backup: Keep a change kit nearby, just in case
In the Water
- Be gentle: Avoid aggressive movements that might stress your wafer
- Pay attention: Notice how your setup feels and trust your instincts
- Don't panic: If a little water gets in your bag, it's normal and fine
After Swimming
- Pat dry: Gently pat around your wafer area – don't rub or scrub
- Empty if needed: If water got in your bag, just empty it normally
- Monitor: Keep an eye on your stoma and skin for the next day or two
- Shower: A quick rinse after swimming in natural water is never a bad idea
"I've been swimming in everything from hotel pools to Lake Tahoe for three years. The key is being smart about it, not scared of it."
When in Doubt, Ask
Your ostomy nurse is your best resource for personalized advice. Some people are more prone to infections or skin issues, and they can give you specific guidance based on your situation.
Also, don't hesitate to ask about water quality at pools, beaches, or other swimming spots. Most places are happy to share their testing results or maintenance schedules.
The Bottom Line
Swimming with an ostomy is totally doable in almost any water environment. Yes, some are safer than others, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to one type forever. I started with my friend's backyard pool and worked my way up to ocean swimming in Costa Rica.
Use common sense, take basic precautions, and don't let fear of "what if" scenarios keep you out of the water. You deserve to enjoy swimming as much as anyone else.
The water's fine – literally and figuratively.