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Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents keep kids home from swim lessons. But the right answer is not always “stay out of the pool.” It depends on which type of ear infection your child has, how they are feeling, and what their doctor recommends.
This guide covers the two main types of ear infections, how each one affects swimming, how long to wait before returning to the pool, and what you can do to prevent infections in the first place.
The Two Types of Ear Infections in Children
Not all ear infections are the same. The two types that affect children most often have different causes, different symptoms, and different guidelines when it comes to swimming.
Middle Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection occurs when the space behind the eardrum becomes inflamed and fills with fluid. It is not caused by water entering the ear. Instead, it typically develops after a cold, the flu, or exposure to certain bacteria.
Children are more prone to middle ear infections than adults because their eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, are shorter and more horizontal. That anatomy makes it easier for fluid to get trapped.
Symptoms tend to come on quickly and may include fever, ear pain or drainage, headache, and a decrease in appetite. A classic sign in younger children is tugging or pulling at the ear. You may also notice increased fussiness, trouble sleeping, or changes in how they respond to sounds.
Many middle ear infections caused by viruses clear up on their own. If symptoms last more than 24 hours or seem to be getting worse, check with your pediatrician to find out whether antibiotics are needed.
Outer Ear Infection (Swimmer’s Ear)
Swimmer’s ear, known medically as otitis externa, is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal. It develops when water gets trapped in the ear and creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria can grow. Children are especially prone to it, though it can happen at any age.
Swimmer’s ear is not contagious, but it can be very painful. Signs include pain when pressure is applied to the outer ear, or when the ear is tugged, itching inside the ear canal, and possible redness, swelling, or drainage.
Unlike a middle ear infection, swimmer’s ear will not clear up on its own. It requires antibiotic ear drops prescribed by a doctor.
A Quick Way to Tell the Difference
If you are not sure which type of ear infection your child has, try gently wiggling the outer ear. If that movement causes pain, swimmer’s ear is likely. A middle ear infection typically does not produce pain from that kind of external pressure.
Can Your Child Swim With an Ear Infection?
That depends on which type of infection they have.
Swimming With a Middle Ear Infection
In most cases, a child with a middle ear infection does not need to skip the pool entirely. If your child is not in pain, being in the water will not make the infection worse. Playing in the water without submerging the ears is generally fine.
However, if going underwater causes any discomfort, it is best to avoid it until they feel better. Swimming on antibiotics for a middle ear infection is typically okay, if your child is comfortable and you follow the rest of these guidelines. That said, always check with your pediatrician first, since every child and every situation is a little different.
One important note: If your child does get in the pool with a middle ear infection, dry their ears thoroughly afterward. The last thing you want is for a middle ear infection to turn into swimmer’s ear on top of it.
Swimming With Swimmer’s Ear
If your child has swimmer’s ear, they should stay out of the pool until a doctor gives the go-ahead. That typically means waiting seven to 10 days.
The reason is straightforward. Swimmer’s ear was caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal in the first place. Getting back in the water before the infection has cleared will almost certainly make things worse, and it is going to be painful. The ear needs time to dry out and heal completely before any more water exposure.
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Young Swimmers
Since the two types of ear infections have different causes, prevention looks a little different for each one.
Preventing Middle Ear Infections
Middle ear infections are often tied to general illness, so reducing your child’s exposure to germs is the most effective strategy. Teaching kids to wash their hands regularly is one of the most practical things you can do. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations and avoiding secondhand smoke can also lower the risk.
Preventing Swimmer’s Ear
The key to preventing swimmer’s ear is keeping the ears dry after time in the water. Here are the most effective habits to build:
Dry your child’s ears gently but thoroughly with a soft towel after every swim. Have them tilt their head to each side to help water drain out of the ear canal naturally. A hairdryer set to the lowest heat setting, held several inches away from the ear, can also help move water through.
If your child is prone to swimmer’s ear, a swim cap or well-fitted earplugs can make a real difference by reducing how much water enters the ear canal in the first place.
One thing to avoid: Over-the-counter ear-drying drops are not recommended for children who already have swimmer’s ear. Check with your pediatrician before using them.
Choosing pools with strong water quality standards also matters. Every Big Blue Swim School has well-maintained pools with proper filtration and chemical balance, creating a less hospitable environment for the bacteria that cause swimmer’s ear.
How to Support Your Child Through an Ear Infection
Dealing with an ear infection mid-swim season is frustrating, but it does not have to derail progress. A few things that help:
Keep them home when their ears hurt. Swim lessons are not enjoyable for anyone if a child is in pain, and pushing through discomfort can make the infection worse. There is no benefit to rushing back to the pool before they are ready.
Stay consistent with hygiene habits. Good hand-washing and ear-drying routines reduce the likelihood of repeat infections throughout the season.
Equip them for the long haul. If swimmer’s ear is a recurring issue for your child, a quality swim cap or earplugs are a worthwhile investment. Many children who wear them regularly go an entire season without issues.
At Big Blue Swim School, we make it easy to manage situations like this. Our flexible makeup lesson policy means a missed lesson due to an ear infection does not just disappear. Every swimmer receives makeup lesson vouchers per year, and rescheduling is simple through the Big Blue app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Infections and Swimming
Can a child swim with an ear infection?
It depends on the type. Children with a middle ear infection can often swim if they are not in pain and are not submerging their ears. Children with swimmer’s ear should stay out of the pool until a doctor clears them to return, usually after 7 to 10 days of treatment.
Can you swim with an ear infection while on antibiotics?
Generally yes, if the infection is in the middle ear and your child feels well enough. Swimming while on antibiotics for swimmer’s ear is a different story. With swimmer’s ear, the ear needs to stay dry during treatment. Always confirm with your child’s doctor before returning to the pool.
How long should a child stay out of the pool after an ear infection?
For a middle ear infection, there may be no need to skip the pool at all if your child is comfortable. For swimmer’s ear, most doctors recommend waiting 7 to 10 days and getting clearance before returning to swimming.
What is the difference between swimmer’s ear and a middle ear infection?
A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum and is typically caused by a cold or virus. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by water that stays trapped and allows bacteria to grow. A simple way to tell them apart is the wiggle test: gently pulling on the outer ear causes pain with swimmer’s ear but not with a middle ear infection.
How do I prevent my child from getting swimmer’s ear?
Dry ears thoroughly after every swim, have your child tilt their head side to side to drain water, and consider a swim cap or earplugs if they are prone to infections. Choosing a pool, like the ones at Big Blue, with strong filtration and water quality standards also helps.
Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
No. Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection caused by water trapped in the ear canal. It cannot be passed from one person to another.
When should I take my child to the doctor for an ear infection?
See a pediatrician if your child has ear pain, drainage, or symptoms that last more than 24 hours. Swimmer’s ear always requires a doctor visit since it needs prescription antibiotic ear drops to clear up. Middle ear infections sometimes resolve on their own, but a pediatrician can help determine whether antibiotics are needed.
Ready to Get Back in the Water? Big Blue Is Here.
At Big Blue Swim School, we keep our pools warm, clean, and well-maintained so families can feel good about the environment their kids are swimming in. And when life gets in the way, our flexible scheduling makes it simple to pick back up right where you left off.
Find a Big Blue Swim School location near you and schedule a trial lesson today.