The idea of submerging your new ostomy in water can sound scary. The thought of having a leak in a pool is terrifying. This was one of my biggest concerns when I first got my ostomy. I didn’t even know what to expect when showering! I asked my surgeon about swimming, and he said to wait until my incisions healed. He told me, “After your incisions heal, swimming shouldn’t be a problem!” He was right. With the correct supplies, swimming with an ostomy can be a fun, carefree experience!
Click on the button below to watch my video about swimming with an ostomy:
The first important thing to know is if your wafers have a waterproof barrier. If it does not, or if your skin reacts poorly to a waterproof barrier, you have some other options! I know some people who are sensitive to waterproof barriers. They use Brava Strips around the barrier to allow their ostomy flange to be more “waterproof.” There is also a product called Sure Seal. It is a thin, plastic cover that goes around your wafer and onto your skin. I absolutely love this product, and would highly recommend it as an option. It is important to take the Sure Seal off after you swim. I left mine on for a couple days and developed a mild yeast infection underneath. Now I generally swim without any extra products.
After you swim, you should check to see how the water affected your ostomy wafer. I have never had to change my ostomy directly after swimming, but ocean water seemed to decrease my wear time by about one day. I haven’t noticed a decrease in wear time from freshwater or pool water. Just in case, I always pack an emergency kit of ostomy supplies to bring to the pool or beach with me.
Also, it’s important to note that all of us have different comfort levels with revealing we have an ostomy. If you are not comfortable showing your ostomy when you swim you can order an ostomy swim wrap or other ostomy swim wear from Ostomy Secrets. I found a flattering one piece suit with side and back cut-outs from H&M. There are also numerous tankini and high waist bikini bottom options as well. For men, a swim wrap or a t-shirt will help conceal your ostomy.
With the right supplies and clothing options, swimming with an ostomy can be a great way to relax, get a work out in, or play around with the family.
You can also watch my video about swimming with an ostomy here. -Laura
For more information, see related exercise ostomy tip articles and ostomy resources here:
What is one thing you wish someone had told you about having an ostomy before you got an ostomy or when you were new to having an ostomy?
Love this if you don’t mind I will use as a handout at meeting. <3
this is wonderful info!!! My boyfriend and I have six kids and he sat out today while we swam in fear that his flange would effect his ability to swim (he loves swimming). We felt so bad. Now he knows that it’s okay!!! Thank you!
Really interesting. Where do I get the Sure seals from please ?
I am a new ostomy nurse. Posts like this are immensely Helpful to me. Thanks for sharing.
Thank You so much. I have been struggling to gain enough confidence to both swim and exercise. I have a fear that I will clog my stoma when I exercise. Should this be a concern, or just an unnecessary fear?
I want to try the sure seals used for swimming..where can I find them..thank you
Can I soak in the bathtub with Epsom salt with an ostomy?? It’s been 6 months since my surgery and I miss soaking my sore muscles. Can I soak in a hot bathtub at all??