The topic at hand is about whether it's safe to swim in the ocean without wearing an ostomy pouch. This is a concern for those with a stoma, as they wonder if they can enjoy the ocean without their usual appliance. Here are some insights and advice shared by others on this topic:

1. It is generally advised not to swim without a pouch or wafer. The stoma is an open part of the intestine, and exposing it directly to ocean water can introduce bacteria, algae, parasites, and other organisms that might lead to serious infections.

2. This caution also applies to swimming in lakes, rivers, and pools, as these waters can contain chemicals or microbes that pose similar risks.

3. To safely enjoy water activities, keep your pouch and wafer on and consider reinforcing the seal:
- Use an ostomy-specific swim wrap or belt for added security.
- A neoprene belt, like those from Stealth Belt, can be worn over the appliance for extra support during water sports.

4. If your appliance has a vented filter, cover it with the small round "filter cover" sticker that often comes with the bags. This prevents water from entering the bag through the filter.

5. Many people swim in the ocean with their appliance intact without issues. One person with an ileostomy has successfully swum in the ocean over 100 times since their surgery in January 2022, finding salt water to be soothing. They sometimes detach the bag from a two-piece system but always leave the wafer on to protect the stoma.

6. There are less common options like temporary stoma "plugs" that can block output for short periods. However, these do not protect the stoma from external water, so the risk of infection remains.

7. Additional considerations include:
- Without a pouch, any unexpected output would be released directly into the ocean, which could be a hygiene issue and might attract wildlife, such as sharks.
- Water pressure can weaken the wafer seal, so using extra mechanical support like a wrap or belt is recommended.