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Can Children with Autism Swim Safely?
May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to promoting awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. While water activities are an exciting part of summer for many families, they can present distinct dangers for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Unfortunately, drowning is the primary cause of accidental death for youth with autism, according to the National Autism Association. Their data suggests that over 70% of unintentional deaths in children with autism under 14 years old are the result of drowning.
This statistic highlights the need to make water safety not just a seasonal concern but a year-round priority. As a result, many families ask: Can children with autism swim safely?
This blog from ABA Centers of Virginia offers customized water safety tips and ABA resources to help families with children on the autism spectrum feel safer every summer and all year long.
Our goal is to help caregivers create safer environments, build essential skills, and enable kids with autism to enjoy water activities with greater peace of mind.
So, please keep reading to learn more about this essential topic!
Click here to discover more about ABA Centers of Virginia. Visit us here to read our other blogs about ASD, ABA therapy, and neurodiversity!
Why National Water Safety Month Is Critical for Families with Autism
Established in 2003, National Water Safety Month brings together organizations like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the American Red Cross, and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to promote water safety education.
While water safety is essential for all families, it holds special significance for those raising children with autism.
Often, this can happen because children with autism frequently exhibit elopement or wandering behaviors and may be attracted to water, increasing their risk of drowning. This behavior is widely recognized in autism safety literature and other related sources.
Children with autism may face additional challenges in water environments. These include, but are never limited to:
- Elopement (wandering): Neurodivergent children may not perceive water as a danger, increasing the likelihood of wandering toward it unsupervised.
- Sensory sensitivities: Water textures, splashing sounds, and crowded environments can overwhelm children and reduce their ability to respond to instructions.
- Difficulty recognizing danger: Unlike neurotypical children, those with autism may struggle to understand the risks associated with water.
These challenges demonstrate the importance of National Water Safety Month as an initiative to educate families and reduce water-related accidents.
6 Swim Safety Tips Tailored for Children with Autism
Drowning prevention isn’t about a single solution; it’s about layering protections. Here are six actionable tips, specifically tailored to the needs of children with autism.
1. Always Designate a Water Watcher
When your child is near water, assign a responsible, sober adult as the “Water Watcher.” This individual must remain undistracted and keep phones, alcohol, and other distractions away.
Switch roles every 15–20 minutes to maintain attentiveness.
The YMCA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign highlights how focused attention on water can save lives.
2. Use Visual Supports for Safety Rules
Children with autism often benefit from utilizing visual learning tools. Use signs, social stories, and visual schedules to teach safety rules like “Ask before going near water” or “Stay where an adult can see you.”
Visual supports help children on the spectrum better digest and retain these critical safety guidelines.
3. Enroll in Adaptive Swim Lessons Early
Swim lessons are among the most effective tools for drowning prevention. Look for programs specialized in teaching neurodiverse children at your local YMCA.
These lessons can build water confidence while adapting to sensory needs and teaching life-saving techniques.
4. Install Physical Barriers and Use Life Jackets
Install high, four-sided fencing with self-latching gates around any home pool. Pool covers and alarms further enhance safety by alerting you if a child enters the water unsupervised.
For outdoor water activities, ensure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits snugly.
5. Practice Water Safety Drills
Role-play scenarios can help prepare your child for real-life situations while reducing fear and anxiety. Practice includes drills like entering and exiting the pool, staying calm in water, or responding to an emergency.
Parents and caregivers should also undergo CPR and first aid training. Organizations like the American Red Cross regularly offer these courses.
6. Incorporate ABA Therapy for Safety Awareness
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is effective in teaching safety-related behaviors and communication skills to children with autism.
ABA therapy can also help those with autism learn to respond to instructions and reduce elopement behaviors. However, individual results and needs may vary.
Building a Water-Safe Environment Can Improve Water Safety Significantly
Creating a water-safe environment requires a combination of physical, educational, and behavioral strategies.
Here are some additional ways to protect your loved ones around water:
- Introduce calm water experiences: Start with smaller, quiet water environments to help your child acclimate to the sensory experience before venturing into busier spaces.
- Use safety reminders everywhere. Remind safety rules consistently, whether at home, the pool, or the beach.
Act This National Water Safety Month for More Positive Water Experiences Today and in the Future!
Water safety is a shared responsibility, but families of children with autism face unique challenges that require custom solutions.
By adopting a multifaceted approach to drowning prevention that combines education, supervision, and ABA therapy, families can significantly reduce water-related risks for their neurodevelopmental children.
So, please don’t wait until summer is here to prioritize water safety. Every action matters, whether it’s enrolling in swim lessons, installing proper barriers, or reaching out to professionals.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy National Water Safety Month from ABA Centers of Virginia!
More About ABA Therapy with ABA Centers of Virginia
At ABA Centers of Virginia, our mission is to support families with custom ABA care plans that include and consider safety strategies.
Through ABA therapy, autism diagnostic services, and more, we strive to help children and teenagers with autism reach their full potential while also protecting their overall well-being.
Our team of highly trained and compassionate ABA professionals takes a holistic approach to ASD care, recognizing the value of addressing not only behavioral needs in ASD but also promoting independence in all aspects of life.
This approach ensures our kids can take advantage of more opportunities each day! To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (855) 957-1892 or via this online link.
Together, we can create safe memories in the water with the help of ABA.
