Take a little dip: 4 tips for safely swimming while on dialysis

Summertime is often synonymous with swimming. On those hot, sunny days, who can resist the temptation to take a dip in the pool or splash in the ocean waves?

Swimming is great low-impact exercise, meaning it provides the benefits of physical activity without putting much strain on your joints. One of the benefits of physical activity is that it can help slow down the progression of your kidney disease. 

But what if you are receiving dialysis treatments? Can you still safely go for a swim? 

The answer depends on a few factors. The biggest risk of swimming is the potential for infection, so the type of vascular access you have for dialysis and the body of water in which you will be swimming matter. Before swimming, be sure to consult with your doctor to ensure you are cleared to swim with your specific circumstances. 

If you are given the go-ahead, here are four tips to help you swim safely while on dialysis:

1. Avoid water with more bacteria

It is recommended to stick to swimming in chlorinated private pools and the ocean. The chlorine in pools and the saltwater in the ocean kill bacteria that can cause infections, making them the safer options for swimming. While public pools are chlorinated, the risk of infection is higher because of the increased number of people. You should also avoid hot tubs, which have an increased risk of bacteria buildup as well. Freshwater bodies of water like rivers, ponds and lakes contain more bacteria, so swimming in them puts you at a greater risk of infection. 

2. Protect vascular access

If you have catheter access, be sure to protect it before swimming. Ensure your catheter is properly clamped shut and anchored in place to prevent it from getting caught or tugged on something. You can cover the catheter with protective, waterproof dressing or an ostomy bag. If you are unsure how to properly protect your catheter, ask your dialysis care team to demonstrate the process for you. They may even be able to share waterproof dressing if you do not have access to it. 

If you have an artery vein (AV) fistula or graft, it is implanted under your skin during surgery. This means it is at less risk of being infected and, if it has healed post-surgery, you do not need to cover it when you swim.

3. Shower right after swimming

When you have finished swimming, be sure to take a shower right after.

4. Clean your vascular access site

Right after taking a shower, be sure to do exit site care on your catheter. (Because it is under your skin, an AV fistula or graft will not require additional cleaning after your shower.)
 

After swimming, always be on the lookout for any signs of infection (such as pain, redness, swelling, fever or flu-like symptoms) and contact a health care provider right away if you notice any. And it bears repeating: when it comes to swimming, be sure to discuss the safest option for you with your doctor.