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You can swim or be in the water while wearing your stoma bag.
Your stoma bag is water resistant and is designed not to leak with the proper seal. Water will not harm or enter your stoma.1
Check your stoma bag seal.
Prior to swimming, make sure your seal is secure.
Empty your stoma bag before swimming.
Ensure your baseplate has been on for at least an hour prior to getting wet. If you are nervous about output, eat a few hours before jumping in.1
What to wear?
Wear what makes you feel the most comfortable. Swimming with a stoma bag should be fun and worry-free regardless of what you're wearing. If you’re intending to go for a gentle swim, you won’t need to worry too much about securing your pouch. If you are going to be diving or jumping into the water, then you can secure your bag with a tight-fitting swimsuit or high-waisted, drawstring shorts.
Always carry extra stoma supplies
in case you are somewhere where supplies may not be available.
For peace of mind try ease Strips
ease Strips may be helpful if you will be swimming for an extended period of time.
Tips from our me+ community
Renee Welch shows us her routine for showering and going to the beach with a stoma bag.
Renee Welch, @beautifullybroken_rw
Renee has had moderate to severe Crohn's disease for over 25 years, which led to her ileostomy surgery. Her surgery was not an emergency, but her specialist informed her that her colon's scar tissue was concerning and may make it difficult to detect any colon cancer in the future. Before her ostomy, Renee was in severe pain every day, but now she is living life to the fullest with her stoma and sharing her story with her fans and friends on social media.
1. Swimming with an ostomy. United Ostomy Associations of America. July 17, 2020. Accessed January 17, 2024. https://www.ostomy.org/swimming-with-an-ostomy/
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