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.

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.