Water safety for children with swallowing needs

This is advice for parents, carers, nurseries and schools. It has been developed by Sheffield Children’s Hospital Respiratory Medicine, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Neurodisability.

We encourage swimming, aqua therapy and waterplay for all children, these activities have physical and sensory benefits, a positive impact on quality of life and it is important that all children have equal access to opportunities and experiences.

Every child and situation are different. This is some advice to help you make decisions in different situations and know when and who to contact if you need help.

Bathing

Baths, showers and washing are part of everyone’s daily routine.

Your child’s health visitor will provide safety advice about how all children should be supervised while in the bath.

If you have an Occupational Therapist, they will provide you with advice about how to position and support your child for bathing.

Water play

Water play is an important part of learning and development, but children with an unsafe swallow and children who require thickened liquids require additional supervision during water play.

If you notice a child is trying to drink water during water play or dirty water, please discuss this with Speech and Language Therapy.

Swimming

If you would like to take your child swimming, please discuss this with your child’s Consultant.

If you are a school and you offer swimming to a child with an unsafe swallow, please discuss this with the child’s family and the Neurodisability Nurse for your school.

Aqua play

Aqua Therapy is important for children’s physical and sensory development.

The Physiotherapist will liaise with your child’s lead Consultant to ensure that your child can access this therapy in the safest possible way.

Oral care

It is important that all have children have daily oral care.

The Speech and Language Therapist will provide you with a plan to support the safest oral care and teeth brushing.