When to Miss Swim Lessons: Guidelines for Sick Kids

As the seasons change and colds and flu become more common, it’s important to prioritize the health of your child and others in the swimming facility. While swimming lessons offer countless benefits, attending while sick can pose risks to your child’s well-being and spread illness to others. Here are some essential guidelines to follow when deciding whether to bring your child to swimmers & Instructors lessons:

1. Fever: If your child has a fever, it’s best to keep them home. A fever signals that their body is fighting an infection, and swimming can add unnecessary stress. Wait at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided (without fever-reducing medication) before returning to lessons.

2. Contagious Illnesses: For illnesses like the flu or a stomach virus, avoid attending lessons until your child is no longer contagious. This helps protect classmates and instructors while allowing your child to recover fully.

3. Diarrhea: If your child has diarrhea, do not bring them to swim lessons. Fecal contamination in the pool can lead to serious waterborne illnesses, posing a health risk to everyone.

4. Respiratory Infections: Conditions such as colds or bronchitis can make swimming uncomfortable and even harmful. Chlorine in pool water may irritate the airways, worsening symptoms. Additionally, a sick child may lack the energy to participate effectively.

5. Skin Infections: For infections like impetigo or fungal conditions, it’s essential to stay out of the pool until the issue is resolved. Swimming can aggravate these conditions and potentially spread them to others.

6. Ear Infections: Swimming with an ear infection can worsen discomfort and delay healing. Wait until the infection has cleared before resuming lessons.

7. General Fatigue or Weakness: If your child is feeling unusually tired or unwell, it’s better to skip the lesson. Swimming requires energy and physical effort, and attending while unwell may hinder recovery and increase the risk of injury or illness.

If you’re uncertain about whether your child should attend swim lessons, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. The health and safety of your child—and everyone at the pool—should always come first.

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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.

Sick Children and Swim Lessons: When to Stay Home

When it comes to sick children and swimming lessons, it's important to prioritize their health and the health of others in the swimming facility. As the seasons change and temperatures drop, common colds and flu are at an all time high. Swimming while sick can be risky and potentially can spread illness to others. Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Fever: If your child has a fever, keep them home from swim lessons. A fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, and swimming can put additional stress on the body. We recommend staying away until the fever has subsided for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

2. Contagious Illness: If your child has a contagious illness, such as the flu or a stomach virus, it's important to keep them away from swim lessons until they are no longer contagious. This not only helps prevent the spread of illness to others but also allows your child to rest and recover.

3. Respiratory Infections: If your child has a respiratory infection, like a cold or bronchitis, swimming may not be the best idea. Chlorine in pool water can irritate the airways, making it harder to breathe. Additionally, your child may not have the energy to participate fully in the lesson.

4. Skin Infections: If your child has a skin infection, such as impetigo or a fungal infection, it's essential to keep them out of the pool until the infection has cleared. Swimming can exacerbate skin conditions and potentially spread them to others.

5. Diarrhea: If your child has diarrhea, it's crucial to keep them out of the pool to prevent the contamination of the water with fecal matter, which can lead to waterborne illnesses.

6. Ear Infections: If your child has an ear infection, it's generally best to avoid swimming until the infection has cleared. Water in the ear can exacerbate the pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.

7. General Fatigue and Weakness: Even if your child doesn't have a specific illness, if they are feeling very fatigued, weak, or unwell, it's advisable to skip swim lessons. Swimming requires physical exertion, and it's essential that your child has the energy and strength to participate safely.

Always consult with your child's healthcare provider if you are unsure whether they should attend swim lessons while sick. Ultimately, the health and well-being of your child and others should be the top priority.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca