Swimming lessons are a fantastic way for kids to build confidence, get active, and learn life-saving water safety skills. But when illness strikes, knowing when to stay home protects your child and the health of other swimmers and instructors. Here’s a guide to help you decide when it’s best to miss a lesson.
1. Fever or Recent Fever
If your child has a fever, keep them home. Fever is a sign the body is fighting infection, and physical activity like swimming can stress their system. Wait at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without using fever-reducing medicines before returning to lessons.
2. Contagious Illness (Flu, COVID-19, Stomach Bugs)
For contagious viruses including seasonal flu, stomach bugs, and other infections stay home until symptoms have fully resolved and your child is no longer contagious. This helps protect others and gives your child time to recover.
3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Kids with vomiting or diarrhea should not attend swim lessons, even if they feel OK otherwise. These symptoms can contaminate pool water and lead to gastrointestinal outbreaks among swimmers.
4. Respiratory Symptoms
Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or bronchitis can make breathing in chlorinated air uncomfortable or even harmful. If your child feels wheezy or very congested, rest at home until symptoms ease.
5. Skin or Eye Infections
Conditions like impetigo, ringworm, athlete’s foot, or conjunctivitis (pink eye) can spread in a pool environment. Keep your child home until a healthcare provider says it’s safe and treatment has begun.
6. Ear Infections
Swimming with an ear infection can worsen pain and delay healing. Hold off on lessons until the infection has cleared to prevent discomfort and further issues.
7. Extreme Fatigue or General Unwellness
Even without a specific diagnosis, if your child feels unusually tired, weak, or “off,” it’s better to skip a lesson for rest and recovery. Swimming is physically demanding, and pushing through when sick can delay healing or lead to injury.
If you’re unsure whether your child should attend lessons, check in with your healthcare provider. Erring on the side of caution helps protect everyone in the pool community.
Join Us for Lessons Year-Round!
We offer swim lessons year-round at our locations in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Learn more about our programs, registration, and schedules at www.swimfins.ca.