Sport and leisure

Epilepsy ought not to stop people from participating in most leisure activities like swimming. If an activity is considered potentially risky, it’s best assessed on an individual basis. Activities may be able to be adapted, or additional safety precautions put in place, to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Sports like soccer, basketball, and even football are okay for most youth with epilepsy, except perhaps those with very frequent seizures. The bathroom is a more dangerous place than the soccer field! The advantages of being on a team generally outweigh the slight chance of injury. But activities where someone with epilepsy can have a bad fall during a seizure, like horseback riding, high diving, or some kinds of gymnastics, are safe only if your seizures are very well controlled or very mild.

We give a list of tips on swimming and epilepsy which can be given to youth with epilepsy:

• Never swim alone and do not take any unnecessary risks. 
• If there is a lifeguard or pool supervisor present, make them aware of your epilepsy. 
• If there is no qualified lifeguard present, do not swim deeper than your companion's shoulder height. 
• Make sure that your companion knows what to do if you have a seizure and is strong enough to help you. 
• Practice what to do if you have a seizure with your companion. This will boost your confidence and theirs. 
• Swimming in the sea, lakes or very cold water is dangerous - be sensible. 
• Don't swim if you are feeling unwell. 
• Avoid overcrowded situations as it might be difficult for others to notice if you had a seizure.