Introduction

Many parents and swimmers don't realise that swimming can benefit people with asthma. Many well-known and highly successful swimmers who have represented Team GB at the Olympics have asthma, including Adrian Morehouse and Rebecca Adlington. In this article, we will discuss why swimming can be the exercise of choice for children with asthma, provide suggestions to help you prepare, and highlight triggers to watch for. We will also explain how Swim Generation approaches swimming lessons for children with asthma and what parents can consider when choosing a swimming school. We have helped many swimmers with asthma and will share our firsthand experience.

This article provides general information about swimming and asthma and is based on recognised guidance and Swim Generation's practical experience. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Parents should follow their child's asthma action plan and speak to an appropriate healthcare professional with any medical concerns.

Can Children With Asthma Swim?

In most cases, children with asthma can swim. Every child is different, and before any lessons, consult a GP.

Why Is Swimming Recommended For People With Asthma?

Below are 5 reasons why swimming is recommended for people with asthma. Our coaches have been told many times that swimming has helped improve their condition; below are reputable sources that support this claim.

1. Swimming pools provide a warm, humid environment that some people with asthma may find more comfortable for exercise. Swim England's website has more information.

2. Some reports, such as the Cochrane report, suggest that swimming can improve overall cardiovascular fitness in children.

3. Studies from Asthma and Lung UK suggest that swimming is associated with lower stress levels, which can help reduce asthma triggers for some people.

4. Swimming in indoor pools at Swim Generation can reduce exposure to asthma triggers, such as pollution and pollen.

5. Evidence from Asthma and Lung UK suggests that swimming is associated with lower stress levels, which can help reduce asthma triggers for some people.

Before You Start Swimming Lessons

Starting swimming lessons can be daunting for some; this can also be compounded if you have medical conditions such as asthma. Sara Deidda, Head Coach at Swim Generation, has created a checklist to help swimmers prepare for their first swimming lesson.

• Talk with your doctor first and seek their approval. Also ask your doctor about pre-exercise medication and an asthma action plan for swimming.

• Before starting your swimming lessons, share your asthma action plan with your coach. This also gives you more opportunities to ask questions or voice concerns.

• Bring your inhaler and keep it easily accessible from the pool.

• Allow time before lessons to prepare mentally and physically. This can be a light warm-up beforehand.

• Let your coach know if you feel unwell or have a ‘flare-up’ before the lesson. Your safety and health are our priority.

Managing Asthma

Below are some techniques we use during lessons and encourage swimmers with asthma to practise.

Triggers To Look Out For

This section will be broken down into two distinct areas. First, what we look out for as coaches during the lesson, and second, potential triggers.

Here are some of the main things our coaches look out for at Swim Generation:

1. Shortness of breath: During and after lesson activities, coaches will observe breathing patterns for any signs of difficulty or excessive breathing.

2. Behavioural changes: Our swimmers and coaches train in small, cohesive classes, so we notice any change in behaviour. One common sign is a swimmer struggling with an activity they usually take in their stride. This often coincides with swimmers taking longer breaks than usual.

3. Wheezing: Coaches listen for wheezing sounds or any change from the norm.

4. Anxiety: If a swimmer looks slightly distressed or concerned, our coaches will not ignore it.

What Pool Environment Can Cause Symptoms?

Environmental factors in pools can sometimes trigger symptoms. This is one of several reasons Swim Generation will only use pools that meet our high standards. Christopher Whitworth, Founder and Managing Director of Swim Generation, vets each pool.

• When chlorine reacts with contaminants in pool water, it can produce compounds called chloramines. In poorly ventilated indoor pools, these can create the strong ‘chlorine’ smell associated with irritation of the eyes and airways.

• A cold pool can cause issues for swimmers with asthma because it can narrow airways.

• Pools that have too much chlorine can irritate swimmers' airways. This is noted in an article from Asthma and Lung UK.

You can find more information on asthma and swimming in the Swim England article.

Note: Parents should always let their coach know if their child is unwell or has had a recent asthma-related incident.

‘Parents should look for patterns if symptoms are constantly occurring after swimming. Note when they happened and the swimming activities they participated in. This is very useful when they discuss asthma management with a GP or specialist.’ Tara Rahilly, Operations Director.

Why Choose Swim Generation?

Selecting the right swim school is an important decision. Medical concerns can further complicate the choice. With over 15 years' experience and thousands of swimmers taught each week, we have extensive experience working with swimmers who have asthma. Our swim programmes and pool locations include several features that can benefit swimmers who need additional support. Below are some of the concerns and questions parents often ask our coaches and management team before joining.

Find Out More

If your child has asthma and you are considering swimming lessons, our team at Swim Generation can discuss your needs and any concerns you may have.

Ready to get started? Contact our team to discuss your child's needs or explore our swimming lessons.

Medical Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes and is based on publicly available guidance, research and Swim Generation's practical experience of teaching swimmers with asthma. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Swim Generation's swimming teachers and staff are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon to diagnose, manage or assess asthma. Every swimmer's asthma is different, so parents and carers should follow their child's individual asthma action plan and seek advice from their GP, asthma nurse, specialist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional where appropriate.

If your child experiences asthma symptoms during or after a swimming lesson, inform the swimming teacher and follow their usual asthma management plan. In an emergency, follow the child's emergency asthma plan and seek urgent medical assistance.

The information provided here should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.