• There is an increased risk if the seizures cause a loss of consciousness or occur without warning.
• There is an increased risk if there are many seizures per day.
• There are certain activities that can trigger a seizure, such as stress and tiredness.
• Age of child or adolescent.
• Certain medications especially at higher doses can lead to certain side effects such as drowsiness and unsteadiness.
• Always consider the type of activity and the risk posed by having a seizure. Activities such as swimming, surfing, and bike riding are examples.
• Other neurological or health problems.

Read more about risks and safety

Swimming

• The pool, open ocean, surfing and water skiing all pose potential risks to safety.
• Swimming in a pool with an adult watching closely is not too risky for most children. However, the adult must be prepared to watch the child at all times, be able to swim, and assist in a rescue if needed.
• These precautions apply to school carnivals and swimming sessions, as well as family and teenage outings.
• Surfing and swimming in the open ocean are far more dangerous than in a pool.
• You always need to consider what you would do if the child were to have a seizure.

Bike riding

• Wear a helmet when riding a bike.
• Ride on bike tracks and in parks and not on the road.
• Main roads, with high car activity, pose the greatest risk.

Around the home

• In general, it is important that your child can not lock themselves into certain rooms (e.g. the bathroom or toilet) in the house. This is so you can gain easy access if they were to have a seizure.
• Children and adolescents should have showers rather than baths. Your child is very vulnerable while bathing.
• Never leave your child unsupervised in the bath. The person supervising should be competent in giving first aid (generally an adult and not another sibling).

Driving

• Austroads has more information about legal requirements in regards to driving and seizures.
• If a young person who is already licensed to drive experiences a seizure, they must stop driving and seek medical advice.
• The following activities also carry extra risks for people who experience seizures and should be discussed with the treating doctor:
• Use of heavy machinery and/or power tools
• Activities at height (e.g. building jobs at height, outdoor rock climbing/abseiling)
• Activities at pace (e.g. skiing, track racing)

Undertaking a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course is recommended. It can save lives.

St John NSW:

• Caring for Kids training
• Call 1300 360 455

Red Cross:  

• Provide CPR (4hours), Education and Care First Aid (8 hours)
• Phone Number 1300 367 428 or 1800 733 276

CPR Kids

• First Aid for families in your own home (Sydney area)
• Baby and child specific first-aid and CPR (3 hours 30 mins)
• Call 1300 543 727

CPR Training Modules - The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

• Provides a free-online training program for a baby (aged less than 12 months) or a child (aged over one year)