Yes, you can swim with an ostomy! In this supportive guide, Hannah Martin-Spencer shares tips and encouragement to help you enjoy water activities with confidence — from choosing the right swimwear to protecting your pouch. Embrace the freedom of swimming again — you’ve earned it!

It’s summer, you have an ostomy, and you want to go swimming, but can you? Absolutely, you can!

Trying new things like swimming can feel intimidating, and having an ostomy can add extra layers of worry: Will the bag stay on? Will people notice? Is it safe? The good news is that swimming with an ostomy is not only possible but can also be a freeing, joyful part of your summer routine. Whether you love pools, lakes, or ocean waves, you deserve to feel confident getting back into the water and enjoying the activities you love.

Here are some tips to ease your mind and get you in the water with confidence this summer:

1. Remember that your ostomy bag is designed for water.
            Ostomy bags are made of waterproof materials, and the flange is specifically designed to maintain its seal in water. Many people find that their pouch adheres even better when wet, giving you one less thing to worry about.

2. Give your appliance some time before swimming.
            Many stoma care nurses recommend waiting at least 12-24 hours after changing your appliance before going swimming. This allows the adhesive to fully set, ensuring a secure seal. However, everyone is different, and some people can swim sooner. If it’s your first time swimming with your ostomy, waiting a bit longer can give you some peace of mind.

3. Consider swim-friendly ostomy attire for extra confidence.
            If you are feeling nervous, consider trying specially designed swimsuits made with pockets to hold your ostomy pouch securely while swimming.

SIL Ostomy Line has one-piece and two-piece bathing suit options for women with ostomies. Check out their website for more information at: https://www.siilostomy.com/en/ostomy-swimwear-siil-ostomy/. OstomySecrets also has swim trunks and swim wraps designed for men with ostomies. You can learn more here: https://www.ostomysecrets.com/collections/mens-swim

You can also find water-friendly pouch covers designed to keep your pouch secure in and around water. Check out https://ostomefashion.com/collections/the-swim-collection for water-safe, drainable pouch covers to help you feel safe and confident in the water!

4. Use flange extenders if needed.
            If you notice your flange starts lifting slightly after being in water for extended periods, flange extender strips (also called barrier extenders) can help create a stronger seal around the edges of your pouch, providing extra security during longer swims. Talk to a stoma care nurse or reach out to your ostomy supplier to discuss which product might be best for you!

5. Cover your ostomy filter before swimming.
            If your pouch has a filter, consider using filter stickers to cover the filter while in and around the water. This helps keep the filter dry and functional, extending its lifespan and preventing potential leaks!

Swimming with an ostomy can feel daunting, but once you try it, you’ll see that it’s nothing to fear. Hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans, rivers – you can swim wherever you want and fully participate in the activities that bring you joy. Take it at your own pace, make adjustments if you need to, and give yourself permission to embrace summer again.

You’ve been through so much to get here, and you deserve to live your life to the fullest, including jumping into the water and enjoying the freedom that swimming can bring.

You’ve got this! Get out there and enjoy your summer!

Source

By Hannah Martin-Spencer, BKin, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.