Swimming With Confidence When You Have Continence Concerns
For many New Zealanders, summer means time at the beach, afternoons at the pool, and enjoying the simple relief of cooling off in the water. Swimming is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to stay active, social, and comfortable during warmer months.
But for people managing bowel incontinence, swimming can quietly slip off the list. Concerns about accidents, embarrassment, or hygiene often mean people avoid the water altogether, even when they love it.
The reality is this: summer is for everyone, and continence concerns should not be the reason someone misses out.
With the right support and understanding, swimming can still be part of your summer.
Swimming is for everyone
For many people, swimming is one of the few forms of movement that still feels easy on the body. It takes pressure off joints, supports mobility, and makes it possible to stay active without pushing too hard. On hot days, it is also one of the simplest ways to cool down and feel comfortable again.
Beyond the physical benefits, swimming often carries a social side. It might be time at the beach with family, a regular pool session with friends, or a familiar hydrotherapy routine. When continence concerns get in the way, it is not just the activity that is lost, but the confidence and shared moments that come with it.
That sense of missing out is something many people quietly accept, even though it does not have to be that way.
Understanding continence needs in the water
Standard continence products, such as pads or briefs, are designed to absorb liquid. They’re not intended to be fully submerged, and when used in water they can quickly become heavy, uncomfortable, or ineffective.
People with bowel incontinence need secure containment that works in water without drawing attention or interfering with movement.
This is where purpose-designed disposable swimwear comes in.
How disposable incontinence swimwear works
Disposable incontinence swimwear is designed specifically for use in water, including pools, the sea, and hydrotherapy. It is worn discreetly under normal swimwear and is intended for older children, teenagers, and adults who need support with bowel control while swimming.
Swimmates® disposable swimwear works by providing secure containment in the water, rather than absorbency. The materials are designed to hold their shape without swelling or breaking down, allowing people to move comfortably and naturally while swimming. Worn under togs or boardshorts, they remain discreet and unobtrusive.
For many people, the challenge with swimming is not physical ability, but uncertainty about what might happen in the water. Disposable swimwear can help remove that uncertainty, making it easier to return to the pool, beach, or hydrotherapy with confidence.
This can be especially helpful for adults managing bowel incontinence, people attending rehabilitation or therapy sessions, older children or teenagers with continence needs, and carers supporting someone who wants to swim safely and comfortably.
Swimming with confidence this summer
Managing continence doesn’t mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With the right products and a little preparation, swimming can still be part of your routine, whether that’s a dip at the beach, time at the local pool, or a structured therapy session.
Choosing products designed specifically for use in water helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on what really matters: staying cool, staying active, and enjoying summer alongside everyone else.
ContinenceCare offers discreet, specialist products to support people who want to stay active and independent, including Swimmates® disposable swimwear.
If you’re unsure whether disposable swimwear is right for you or someone you care for, our team is here to help with friendly, confidential advice and discreet home delivery available across New Zealand.
Swimmates® disposable swimwear