Waterproof Medical Alert Systems

If a listing doesn’t show an IP rating, treat ‘waterproof’ as unverified marketing, as retailers and manufacturers can often use vague language to make devices sound safer than they are.

Here is what each term usually means:

Water-resistant means the device can tolerate some moisture, but it is not necessarily designed for running water or deep immersion. A water-resistant pendant will survive a splash from the tap or shower, and it will be fine to wear in the bath so long as it is not submerged underwater for more than 30 minutes. In bathroom safety, the IP rating matters more than the word ‘showerproof’ on the box.

‘Showerproof’ sounds reassuring, but it is not a technical standard. Instead, look for an IP rating and manufacturer’s limits. A study of personal alarm users found that 83% of people who fell while alone didn’t press their alarm. That’s why “showerproof” wording isn’t enough; you want a device you’ll genuinely keep on.

For more context on pendant versus wrist options, read this pendant alarm guide.

Showers can be harsh, with hot water, soap, and strong jets hitting the device directly. Baths are different because the wearable may be briefly submerged.

For bath or shower wear, look for IP67 or IP68 on the wearable whenever possible. That single rule covers most UK bathrooms.

Now, here is what those numbers actually mean:

• IP rating: A two-digit ingress protection code that tells you how well a device is sealed against solids (first digit) and water (second digit). The first digit runs from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). The second digit runs from 0 to 9, with higher numbers meaning better water protection. Some devices show IPX7, where the X means dust protection was not tested.
• IP67: Means the device is dust-tight (6) and tested to withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes under standard conditions (7). It’s the common industry-standard rating for shower-suitable wearables, but you should still follow the maker’s limits for depth, time, and water temperature.
• IP68: Covers immersion too, but the exact depth and duration are set by the manufacturer and can vary by device. For a bathroom wearable, IP67 or IP68 is the simplest shorthand that the device is appropriately designed for the kind of water exposure that is typical for a shower or a bath. Always check the manufacturer’s limits.

Remember, because falls are common, especially in the bathroom, the real priority is choosing a device you’ll keep on, so you can call for help quickly if you need it.

Learn more about modern systems and digital personal alarms here.

Bathrooms are harsher than people think: it’s not just water. It’s heat + soap + time.

Even with IP67 or IP68, treat a pendant as a sealed electronic device: avoid harsh cleaners, check it after drops, and follow the manufacturer’s immersion limits.

The wet zone is the area where running water or direct splashes are likely (inside the shower, near taps, and the bath rim). Keep non-waterproof equipment outside this zone. Your base unit or charger must sit in a hallway, living room, bedroom, or other dry location, as steam travels. Placing electronics on a bathroom shelf is risky, even if the shelf stays dry.

Almost 75% of users purchased a medical alert system after a fall or medical emergency. Protecting your device protects your safety; visit our test your personal alarm page for a weekly and monthly test routine.

The best option is the one you will wear every time you bathe. Comfort determines compliance, and an unworn alarm provides zero peace of mind.

Here are some top tips on how to wear it safely.

Wrist wear is often easiest to press with wet hands, and there is less risk of the pendant swinging. Ensure the strap fit is snug but comfortable, and check that the button face is accessible when your arm is bent or extended.

Alternatively, neck wear is kept high on the chest for reach. A breakaway safety lanyard is preferable, avoiding long cords that could snag on taps, handles, or shower fixtures. This is critical in the bath or shower, where a trapped cord could cause panic or injury.

Bath-specific caution: Avoid any setup where the pendant could get trapped under your body or tangled against taps or bath handles. We also recommend you sit upright when testing reach.

For people with dexterity challenges, our personal alarms have a bigger button with tactile feedback and a simple press action. For more context on simple SOS press behaviour, see panic button alarms.