FAQs

At Incy Wincy, we believe that swimming should be for everyone.

From a baby’s very first splash to confident swimmers of all ages we provide a carefully chosen range of swim products and adaptive swimwear to make swimming accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all.

We know that for many families and carers, there can be worries or misconceptions about swimming with continence needs – but we’re here to help dispel those myths. Swimming is possible, safe, and inclusive when the right products are used.

Frequently Asked Questions: Swimming with Bowel Incontinence

1. Can I still go swimming if I have bowel (faecal) incontinence?

Yes. Many people with bowel incontinence enjoy swimming and hydrotherapy. The key is to wear swimwear designed to contain bowel accidents, such as reusable or disposable swim nappies or specialist containment swimwear (for example, Kes‑Vir’s adaptive swimwear range). These are accepted by most public pools and hydrotherapy centres.

2. What can I wear to swim if I have bowel incontinence?

You should wear a reusable or disposable swim nappy or containment swimwear under your costume or trunks. Products like Kes‑Vir’s adaptive swimwear are designed not to absorb pool water, so they won’t swell or leak. They include a built in swim brief / swim nappy to avoid a nappy showing through so you will look and feel like you are wearing standard swimwear.

3. Can I wear my normal incontinence pad or nappy in the pool?

No. Regular continence products are designed to absorb fluids—they will soak up pool water, become heavy, and may break apart, which can lead to leaks. For this reason, most public pools require swim-specific containment products.

4. Will swimming make my bowel incontinence worse?

No. Swimming is a low-impact exercise and can actually help strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles, which may support better continence over time. Always check with your GP or physiotherapist before starting new activities.

5. Are there special rules for using hydrotherapy pools?

Yes. Hydrotherapy pools often have stricter hygiene requirements. You’ll usually need to:

  • Shower before entering the pool

  • Use the toilet beforehand

  • Wear an approved swim nappy or containment garment
    Check with the centre for their specific policy.

6. How do I stay confident when swimming with incontinence?

  • Choose specialist swimwear with an integrated swim nappy to prevent it showing through
  • Choose darker swimwear: This can help you feel more comfortable and reduce visibility of any containment products.
  • Double up: Wear a snug-fitting swimsuit or shorts over your swim nappy.

  • Plan ahead: Change just before swimming and keep spares in a discreet bag

7. Are swim nappies for adults as well as children?

Yes. Swim nappies and containment swimwear are available for both adults and children. Kes‑Vir offers a range of adult and children’s adaptive swimsuits designed for those with continence needs.

8. Where can I buy incontinence swimwear?

You can purchase specialist swimwear online from Kes‑Vir, as well as from other adaptive swimwear retailers. Look for products labelled as “incontinence swimwear” to ensure they’re designed for use in water.

9. Are there different styles of incontinence swimwear?

Yes. You can choose from one‑piece swimsuits, tankinis, swim shorts, or swim trunks, all designed with discreet internal containment briefs. Kes‑Vir offers stylish designs so you can feel confident and comfortable at the pool or beach.

10. Do public pools allow people with bowel incontinence?

Yes, provided you wear suitable containment swimwear. Most pools (including hydrotherapy pools) welcome swimmers with continence needs as long as proper hygiene measures are followed and swim‑specific products are worn.

Now that we’ve covered the most common questions about swimming with continence needs, here are some answers to the questions we often receive about our products, sizing, and services.

Customers questions answered; 

I bought this (Hi Line Girls) swimsuit for my granddaughter who is autistic and not toilet trained. How do we use it. Does it need a nappy pad or something else inserted and if we do will the swimsuit keep it dry?

You do not need to put any pads on inside the waterproof briefs.  The pad will not remain dry as there is always exchange of water. The swimsuit will contain any bowel accident your daughter may have. If she does soil, they please empty content into the toilet first.  Then the swimwear can be rinsed in cold water to remove the chlorine before putting it in the washing machine.

Questions About Our Products & Services

1. How do I choose the right size?

Each product has a detailed size guide on its page. For swimwear and swim nappies where no weight is specified, we recommend measuring the waist and thigh (along the natural brief line) to ensure the best fit. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help – just contact us with your measurements for personalised advice.

2. Do your swim nappies and adaptive swimwear look different from regular swimwear?

Not at all. Our incontinence swimwear ranges are selected and designed to be stylish and discreet, so they look just like regular swimsuits, swim trunks, or swim shorts – giving you or your child confidence in and out of the water.

3. Can your products be worn under other swimwear?

Yes. Many of our containment swim nappies can be worn under a regular swimsuit or swim shorts, making them an easy, discreet option.

4. Are your products reusable?

Most of our adaptive swimwear and swim nappies are washable and reusable, offering excellent value for money. We recommend checking each product description for specific care instructions. Shop our range of reusable swim nappies here. 

5. Do you deliver internationally?

Yes. We ship across the UK and to many international locations. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout.

6. How long will delivery take?

For UK orders, we dispatch on the same day when you order before midday. All parcels are sent via royal mail 24 hour tracked. For the majority of parcels they arrived next day however we quote 2–5 working days to allow for weekends. International delivery times vary depending on location and courier. If you need your items urgently, please contact us with your order number as we can often dispatch after midday or discuss faster shipping options.

7. What is your returns policy?

We accept returns on unworn, unused items in their original packaging received within 28 days of purchase. For this reason we kindly ask you to return goods with 14 days of receiving them. For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns of items that have been tried on without protective undergarments. Please see our Returns Policy page for full details.

8. How can I get the item exchanged?

As we do not have stores for direct exchanges, you can return the item, complying with our returns policy and you can make a note of the returns form of the item you wish your goods to be exchanged for. We will then credit your account and create a new order for you. You will then be required to check out using your credit and anything further amount due. Alternatively you can order your replacement item and wait for a refund. Once processed refunds can take 5-10 days for monies to be returned depending on your bank. 

9. Do you work with hospitals, schools, care homes, and hydrotherapy centres?

As we cannot do direct exchanges, you return the item in good condition and complying with our terms and conditions. Then wait for the refund to be processed and re-order online the correct item.

10. Can I get advice before I buy?

Absolutely. Our friendly team can help you choose the right product, size, or style. Get in touch via email or phone – we’re here to help.

11. Why do you charge for delivery?

It is not free to send out items. We only charge customer what we are charged by courier or Royal Mail. In fact, we make no profit on 'Shipping and Handling' when we take into account staff time, postal items and collection charges.

11. Can I get advice before I buy?

Absolutely. Our friendly team can help you choose the right product, size, or style. Get in touch via email or phone – we’re here to help.

Payment questions

1. What if I do not want to use Paypal or Express Checkout?

No problem, You don’t need to use PP or Shop, just select ‘add to cart’ on the product or ‘buy it now’ ignore ‘Express checkout’ input your shipping address detail and continue to shipping and next page will say ‘Continue to Payment’ (blue button) click that and you can input your credit/debit card payment.

Customers questions answered; 

Other ways to pay

Dear Sir/Madam, I am after some swim shorts for my son he is in full time nappies and unable to go swimming i have got him swimming lessons if i can get him some swimwear. I am unable to pay online is there other ways that i can pay please?

We have a range of swimwear for boys who are incontinence. If you let me have you address then I will send you our brochure and order form - you can pay by postal order or cheque.