Swimming With a Feeding Tube
One of the most common questions we receive on our Facebook page is whether or not it is okay to swim with a feeding tube. Well, we are here to set the record straight once and for all.
The good news is that yes, in general, it is okay to swim with a feeding tube. That said, there are a few safety measures you will want to take before diving in:
- It is best to have a healed and healthy stoma (the opening in your skin where the tube goes into your body). For that reason, you will want to talk with your doctor first. He or she may have special instructions for you to follow.
- As soon as you are done swimming, clean the skin around the stoma. Change any dressings and make sure the area around the stoma is clean and dry.
- Not all places with water are safe for people who use feeding tubes. Pools and oceans are usually okay. But ponds, lakes, and hot tubs can be risky. Pond and lake water does not move much, so it can have germs. Hot tubs are warm, and germs grow fast in warm water.
If you are not sure if the water is safe, here are some tips…
Pools: Choose private pools that are clean and checked often. Animals like dogs or cats should not swim in them. If you go to a public pool, ask the person in charge if they have tested the water for germs before you get in.
Beaches: Oceans are usually okay for people with feeding tubes, but they can still have pollution. You can ask a beach worker or health official if the water is tested. Ask which beaches are checked, how often, and what they look for. If you get test results, don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you understand them. If your beach is not tested, do not swim after heavy rain or near storm drains. Also, look out for trash or anything dirty in the water. You can also check out the CDC’s Health Swimming webpage for reports on water safety.
Lakes, ponds and rivers: These bodies of water have a greater risk for pollution which may lead to illnesses. They are not the best for people with feeding tubes. Safety information is harder to find for these bodies of water. If you have a strong desire to swim in these water sources, you can start by searching on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
Lastly, the CDC offers the following steps for healthy swimming and protecting against recreational water illnesses: CDC Healthy Swimming.
