Swimming with an ostomy can feel a bit daunting if you haven't tried it before, but with the right preparation and equipment, you can enjoy the water just like anyone else. Here are some helpful tips and advice to make your swimming experience smooth and enjoyable:

- Give your appliance time to set:
- Apply your wafer or pouch at least 24 to 48 hours before you plan to swim. Avoid changing it on the same day you plan to swim.
- Wait about 2 hours after applying your appliance before getting into the pool or ocean.

- Empty the pouch first and choose suitable swimwear:
- Make sure to empty your pouch right before you swim.
- For casual swimming, a loose-fitting or higher-waisted swimsuit can be comfortable. If you're planning on doing more vigorous swimming, consider using a Stealth Belt or an ostomy belt to keep the pouch flat against your body.

- Support adhesion if you need extra security:
- Barrier strips like Coloplast Brava strips are often recommended.
- Rubber-style wafers, such as Coloplast SenSura Mio, can protect the adhesive edges better than fabric wafers.
- You can use supplemental adhesives like Torbot liquid adhesive and Skin-Tac wipes or spray to reinforce the stickiness.
- Frame the wafer with waterproof tape, such as Nexcare "pink tape" available at Walmart, or general medical adhesive tape.
- Some people tape all the edges of the wafer, while others rely on the standard seal alone. It's important to test what works best for you.

- Product experiences shared:
- Hollister fabric-type wafers have been reported to work well without leaks when reinforced with Brava strips or a Stealth Belt.
- Coloplast 15470 closed pouch (one-piece) has been used successfully in pools and hot tubs.
- Convatec 2-piece systems have been reliable in family pools.
- One-piece, cut-to-fit disposable pouches have stayed secure in pools, hot tubs, and even the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

- Gradually test your personal limits:
- Everyone's skin and appliance are different, so start with short dips and dry the wafer completely between sessions to learn when it might loosen.
- Many people find that water can actually improve adhesion for short periods.

- Time in the water:
- Some people limit their swimming sessions to about 30 minutes before drying off, while others stay in for hours without issues. Monitor your own wear time to see what works for you.

- Confidence and practical tips:
- If showers don't loosen your appliance, swimming should be similar.
- Consider going with supportive friends or family the first time for reassurance.
- Empty your pouch, suit up, jump in, and enjoy—don't let the ostomy hold you back.
- Optional but fun: bring a rubber ducky!