When it’s hot and sunny outside, nothing is more refreshing or relaxing than having a dip in the pool or at the beach.

However, for some people with incontinence, the thought of going for a swim can bring stress and anxiety instead of excitement or relaxation. This can be because of the fear of leaking, having an accident, or worrying about any unwanted odours.

And while these feelings are completely valid, you don’t need to let them stop you from being poolside or beachside.

That’s why we’ve put together 5 tips for a stress-free day at the pool or beach!

Planning ahead not only makes for a smooth trip to your swim spot of choice but can offer peace of mind in knowing you’re prepared for whatever the day may bring.

Before setting out for a day by the water, you might want to prepare by:

• Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that don’t press too firmly against your bladder and/or bowel

• Looking up where the restrooms are at your desired location

• Make sure you have a bag of any supplies you may need (more on this later!) as well as a change of clothing just in case

Make a plan to sit close to the restrooms so that you can access them quickly when you feel the urge to go and be sure to visit them before hopping in the water for a swim, too.

Whenever you’re heading out of the house, it’s always a good idea to have a bag of your incontinence supplies on hand for when you need them - and this is especially true when planning for a day out in the heat.

Make a list of the items you’ll need, such as spare booster pads, hand sanitiser and any incontinence aids you use for when you're out of the water, and be sure to pack them. Bring along a disposable bag as well for any wet or soiled items, too.

It’s a good idea to include some wet wipes for a quick clean and refresh on the go. They can be a lifesaver to clean away any pesky sand from sensitive areas or to aid in washing off any pool chemicals (like chlorine) which can be drying and irritating to the skin.

Once you’ve had enough of swimming, be sure to change out of your swimwear as soon as possible to help avoid any chafing or skin irritation.

This is especially important if you have incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or other skin conditions, as prolonged contact with moist, damp or wet materials can cause further irritation or damage to the skin. Quickly changing out of wet clothing can help in preventing a urinary tract infection (UTI), too.

 When you're back in dry clothes, you can also go back to using your day-to-day incontinence aid of choice, like our Dailee range of pads and guards, pull-ups or slips, depending on your level of need.

Remember that unless specified, incontinence aids are not suitable for use while swimming - so be sure to only wear them for protection from leaks while you’re out of the water.

When you’re going out for a day in the hot sun (with SPF applied, of course!), it’s especially important to drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.

It not only helps to stave off heat-related illnesses (like heatstroke or heat exhaustion), but it can be really helpful for your incontinence management as well.

When we’re dehydrated and urine is dark and concentrated, it can exacerbate any incontinence symptoms like urgency or leaks by irritating the bladder. Water intake helps to dilute the urine, making it less concentrated - which in turn makes it less irritating to the bladder. Being adequately hydrated also helps to avoid bowel issues such as constipation, too.

Make sure you’ve got plenty of cool fluids on hand to sip throughout the day. If you’re not sure if you’re drinking enough water, you can check out our guide here to find out.

Perhaps the most important tip in our list is to make sure you have fun and enjoy your day out at the beach or pool.

While it can be daunting, it’s important not to let incontinence hold you back from activities you enjoy, and continuing to live your life with confidence is essential to maintaining good mental health.

Plus, swimming and other aquatic exercise have also been found to be helpful for incontinence symptoms [1]!