FAQ
The photographing of babies underwater is a popular activity as is the ‘dunking’ of babies in play; however
swimming teachers should be aware of the wider issues.
Guidance/Information Document
Submersion
(Taken from the publication ‘Make a Splash)
Brief voluntary or incidental submersion may be included in lessons under the guidance of the
teacher and at the discretion of the accompanying adult. Neither forced nor prolonged submersions
are recommended.
The forced submersion of young babies is not recommended by the ASA, a position fully supported
by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA). It has been suggested that young
babies have a natural breathing reflex which will prevent them from attempting to breathe
underwater. This view point is not universally accepted within the medical profession and
attempting to breathe underwater can lead to water intoxication (hyponatremia) caused by the young
baby swallowing large quantities of water, the result of which can adversely affect the electrolyte
levels of the baby.
The ASA recommends a gradual process leading towards submersion by the child, without this
being a forced activity. Acceptable forms of submersion are incidental submersion, e.g. after
jumping in, voluntary such as the retrieval of objects and accidental.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, commonly called water intoxication, is a potentially fatal condition resulting from
extremely high levels of water in the body. Water intoxication can be the result of swallowing large
amounts of water during swimming lessons. It is not known whether the actual trigger factor that
causes hyponatremia is excessive sodium loss, excessive intake of free water, inappropriate
secretion of anti-diuretic hormone or a combination of all these factors.
Whatever the cause, the condition is easy to prevent, all it takes is a little common sense and
awareness. Repeated dunking under the water and allowing the child to drink the water because
their mouth is too close to it should be avoided. The adult must be aware, at all times, of the
position of the baby’s mouth in relation to the water surface. In most cases the baby who has
swallowed an excessive amount of water will vomit or pass large amounts of urine. This is the
body’s way of ridding itself of the excess water.
If the child does swallow a lot of water, becomes restless, lethargic, irritable, weak and nauseous
and has abnormally wet nappies, they may be suffering from hyponatremia and a doctor should be
consulted.
Edited dlfw/ASA Facilities/25/02/2016