Swimming (Care of the Young Athlete)

Swimming is a sport in which there is a great diversity among participants. There are both recreational and competitive swimmers, ranging in age from preschool through college.

Most swimming-related orthopedic injuries are related to overuse and are seen in competitive athletes. However, many injuries can be prevented.

The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to prevent swimming injuries. Also included is an overview of common swimming-related medical and orthopedic conditions.

Injury prevention and safety tips

• Sports physical exam. Athletes should have a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) to make sure they are ready to safely begin the sport. The best time for a PPE is about 4 to 6 weeks before the beginning of the season. Athletes also should see their doctors for routine well-child checkups.

• Fitness. Athletes should maintain a good fitness level during the season and off-season. Preseason training should allow time for general conditioning and sport-specific conditioning. Athletes with poor stamina are more likely to get hurt both in and out of the water. Also important are proper warm-up and cool-down exercises.

• Equipment. Safety gear should fit properly and be well maintained.

  • Properly fitted goggles

  • Swim caps

  • Sandals in the pool area

  • Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm with sunblock, sun-protective water shirts) when outdoors

• Emergency plan. Teams should develop and practice an emergency plan so that team members know their roles in emergency situations in or out of the water.

  The plan would include first aid and emergency contact information. All members of the team should receive a written copy each season. Parents also should be familiar with the plan and review it with their children.

• Rules. Swimmers should follow pool rules at all times, including

  • Never swim alone. The pool should be supervised.

  • Don’t run on pool decks and wet areas. Abrasions and contusions (bruises) commonly occur from careless falls.

  • Don’t dive in shallow water. Swimmers should know how deep the pool is and avoid diving into shallow pools less than 3 feet deep. This will help prevent serious head and neck injuries.

  • Starting blocks. Swimmers using starting blocks in the shallow end need to be instructed on proper technique.

Orthopedic conditions

Overuse injuries in swimming are related to repetitive stress to the swimmer’s body. Symptoms of an overuse injury usually include pain or discomfort, muscle weakness, alterations in stroke style, and the inability to

keep up intense levels of training. Multiple factors must be considered for proper treatment.

Physical therapy often is useful to strengthen weak muscles and stabilize joints. It can also improve a swimmer’s endurance and ability to train. Physical therapy should be prescribed by a doctor.

Workload, defined as either yardage or pool time, may need to be decreased during a time of injury. An evaluation of stroke technique may identify weaknesses, bad habits, or muscle-tendon imbalances that require correction.

The table below lists common orthopedic conditions.

Remember

Swimming injuries can be prevented when pool rules are followed.