Swimming and water safety
Being in and around water represents a serious potential risk for all people living with epilepsy. The level of support and supervision a student needs will vary depending on specific risk mitigation strategies that the doctor has instructed in the student’s epilepsy management plan.
Unless otherwise specified in writing by the doctor, a dedicated staff member must keep the student under visual observation at all times while the student is in the water and be able to get assistance to the student quickly if a seizure occurs.
Additionally, a dedicated staff member must remain within close distance to a student with epilepsy when bathing/showering (for example, standing outside the bathing/shower door).
Guidance chapter on supervision requirements for students with epilepsy during swimming and water activities
Reviewed 28 May 2020