Swim Lessons with Ear Tubes Checklist

Ear tubes are not always a reason to skip lessons, but your ENT’s advice comes first. Use this page to get answers, pack the right gear, brief the instructor and know when to sit a class out. Your child’s ENT sets the rules; this page is a planner.

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🩺 Step 1: Ask Your ENT

Are plugs needed? Pool, beach, lake: ask about each and write the answer below.
Any limits on diving or deep submersion? Ask about putting the head fully underwater.
When can lessons start after surgery? Get a date or a note in writing.
Which symptoms mean call right away? Drainage, pain and fever are common examples; ask for your child’s list.
Ask about untreated water Lakes, rivers and the ocean carry more germs than a chlorinated pool.

🧢 Step 2: Gear Check Before Each Lesson

Plugs, cap or headband fit snugly. Test at home in the bath first.
Spare plugs are in the swim bag. Pack a clean towel for the outer ear.
Goggles fit and are separate from ear protection. Goggles protect eyes only.
Agree on a signal. Your child waves or taps if a plug slips or an ear hurts.

🏊 Step 3: Tell the Swim School

Share the ENT’s advice in writing with the front desk and the instructor before class one.
Use a medical information form so the note stays with your child’s record.
Ask how skills are adapted such as submersion, bobbing and diving games.
Name one contact who gets a call if your child has ear pain at the pool.

🚦 Step 4: Go or Skip the Lesson

What you see	Plan
Fluid or pus draining from the ear	Skip the lesson and call the doctor
Ear pain or tugging at the ear	Skip and call the doctor
Fever or feeling unwell	Skip and rest
Plug fell out or will not stay in	Pause, refit, ask your ENT if needed
No symptoms, ENT approval in hand	Go, with the gear and notes above

When in doubt, call your doctor. Do not guess about drainage or pain. A missed class is easy to make up; an untreated ear problem is not.

🚿 Step 5: After the Lesson

Dry the outer ear gently with a clean towel and follow your ENT’s advice.
Remove and rinse plugs and let them dry before the next class.
Watch for the next day fluid, redness, a fever or a child who pulls at the ear.
Tell the instructor what you learned so next week’s plan is better.

🗓️ Step 6: Our Ear Tubes Plan

Child’s name

ENT doctor and phone

Plugs needed? (pool / open water)

Diving or depth limits

Swim school and instructor

Who we call about ear pain

A line to remember: “Plugs in, signal ready, tell a grown-up if it hurts.”