Swimming & Water Sports

With an Ostomy

Yes, You Can Swim with an Ostomy!

Whether you're taking a refreshing dip in a public pool, floating in a lake, riding the waves in the ocean, relaxing in a hot tub, or enjoying a variety of water sports, you can enjoy the water just like everyone else.

Your ostomy pouching system is designed to be water-resistant and secure. Modern ostomy barriers and pouches are made to stay attached during everyday activities—including swimming—making them suitable for use in pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

So grab your swimsuit and dive into the fun!

Swim Sections:

Casual swimming

Laps and open water swimming

Ocean waves

Water sports - high activity adventures

Extra tips for all swimmers

Bottom line

Taking a Dip, Floating, and Casual Swimming

If your idea of swimming is cooling off on a hot day, floating around the pool, or casually paddling with family and friends, no special preparation is usually needed.

Simply:

Make sure your pouching system is securely attached.
Empty your pouch beforehand if needed.
Optional: Apply barrier strips around the outside edges of your barrier for extra security. These comfortable, stretchy, breathable strips are designed to add support to your pouching system and help keep the edges secure during water activities.
Step into the water and enjoy yourself.

Your pouching system performs just fine during casual swimming activities—minimal preparation needed.

Swimming Laps and Open Water Swimming

If you're a lap swimmer or enjoy open-water swimming, a little preparation can make your experience more comfortable.

As you move through the water, a pouch that hangs away from your body can create drag and may feel less comfortable.

Options for keeping everything streamlined:

Wear a swimsuit that helps hold your pouch close to your body.
Consider using an abdominal ostomy wrap or swim wrap.
A wetsuit can also provide excellent support and security.
Empty your pouch before swimming whenever possible.

Keeping your pouch snug against your abdomen can improve comfort and help you focus on your swim rather than your ostomy.

Entering the Ocean and Surf

When walking into the ocean from the beach, remember that incoming waves often hit directly at waist and abdominal level.

The force of the water can occasionally tug on a pouch that is hanging loosely.

Before heading into the surf:

Secure your pouch close to your body.
Consider wearing a swim wrap, support garment, or snug-fitting swimsuit.
Be mindful when facing larger incoming waves.

A little extra support can help keep your pouch comfortable and secure as you make your way through the surf.

Water Sports and High-Activity Adventures

Many people with ostomies enjoy active water sports, including:

Surfing
Bodyboarding (Boogie Boarding)
Wakeboarding
Water Skiing
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Paddleboarding
Water Polo
Jet Skiing

You can enjoy water sports with an ostomy, but they do require additional preparation and consideration.

Before participating:

Make sure your pouching system is securely attached.
Wear a swimsuit, wrap, rash guard, or wetsuit that keeps the pouch snug against your abdomen.
Empty your pouch beforehand.
Consider using waterproof barrier strips or tape if you expect prolonged water exposure.

Important Considerations

In sports like these, there is a possibility of falls, contact with equipment, and impact to your stoma. Therefore, it is wise to consider wearing a stoma guard or stoma protector to help shield your stoma from accidental bumps or direct hits.

A Few Extra Swimming Tips

Keep in mind that prolonged time in the water may affect pouch wear time. For example, if you normally get five days of wear time from your pouching system, after a long swim, surfing session, or repeated water exposure, you may only get three days of wear time.

Apply a fresh pouching system before a long day in the water if your current system is nearing its normal wear time.

Rinse off after swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools.

Dry the barrier and tape edges thoroughly after swimming.

The Bottom Line

An ostomy should not keep you from enjoying the water. Whether you're floating in a pool, swimming laps, surfing ocean waves, diving beneath the surface, or relaxing in a hot tub, people with ostomies successfully participate in water activities every day.

With a little planning—and sometimes a little extra support- you can swim, splash, surf, dive, and play with confidence.

Get out there, have fun, and make some waves!