Is It Safe to Swim while Wearing a Cast?

Few things are worse for an avid swimmer than to be sidelined by an arm injury. Whether or not you can swim in a cast depends on several factors, and it’s important to begin your planning by seeking your physician’s recommendations. Fortunately, you may be able to swim in a cast, provided you take the following precautions.

Ask Your Doctor for a Waterproof Cast or Cover

Certain types of bone fractures might require you to avoid swimming while you heal. But your doctor might be able to use special kinds of casts or liners designed to be waterproof. Many people choose waterproof casts to allow for bathing and swimming. If a waterproof cast isn’t possible, you could still have a chance to use a cover over your injured limb that allows for swimming. If you aren’t sure if a cover is safe, ask your doctor for approval.

Choose a Safe Swimming Area

For now, it’s best to avoid natural bodies of water because the lack of sanitation could lead to exposure to bacteria and other issues that irritate your injured limb. Instead, you’ll want to choose a swimming pool you know has the proper chemical balance to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. You’ll also find swimming in your backyard pool is simply more comfortable when you have a cast, since the water doesn’t have sand or other small particles that could work their way into your cast.

Limit Your Time in the Water

Even with a waterproof cast, you’ll want to avoid swimming for extremely prolonged periods. Usually, the recommendation is to avoid soaking the cast for more than a couple of hours. Since most people only need 30 minutes to an hour for a good swimming session, you should still be able to stay within your training range. If you plan to swim at a party, consider taking breaks by lounging on a pool float or sun deck. You’ll still be part of the fun without having to put your health at risk.

Rinse and Dry Your Cast after Swimming

Caring for your cast and skin after your swim helps you know you’ll be able to continue enjoying your favorite activity as you heal. Once you’re done swimming, you’ll want to flush the cast with clean water to remove any chlorine. Then you can use a hair dryer on low to remove any moisture faster. Air drying your cast can also work to ensure you don’t have lingering wetness on your skin.

Alternate Swimming Days

Ideally, you’ll want to give your cast a break from swimming to allow it to dry completely. Making sure to only swim every other day also gives your skin some time to rest. On your off days, you can still enjoy spending time by the pool as you soak up the sunshine on the deck. 

Even if you have an injury that requires wearing a cast for a while, the chance to enjoy swimming at home is one of the most appealing aspects of having a pool of your own. When you’re ready to build a swimming pool for your family, reach out to the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the award-winning swimming pool contractor San Diego families and businesses have trusted for more than four decades. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you create the perfect design with just the right features that make your pool the one you’ve always dreamed of.