Water Safety for Children with Autism
Positive Reinforcement • July 20, 2021
Water Safety for Children with Autism
With summer in full swing, families often head to the water for a fun, refreshing afternoon in the sun. While children with autism can especially find the water therapeutic, it is also true that the National Autism Association lists drowning as one of the most common causes of death in children with autism. However, with the proper preparation and care, children of all ages and abilities can enjoy the water safely.
Here are our top five tips for water safety:
1. Take your time. Set aside time to introduce your child to the water in a low-stakes environment. A casual trip to the city pool or a short visit to a quiet lake may be a better option than a birthday party or big beach vacation for introducing your child to the water for the first time. Keep things light, fun, and pressure-free.
2. Use appropriate safety gear. Whether a life jacket, water wings, or other “floaties,” make sure your water safety gear is secured and rated for within your child’s weight. Give your child time to acclimate to these necessary flotation devices, especially if you foresee safety gear causing sensory issues.
3. Supervise, supervise, supervise. Even with the right safety gear, children are safest in the water when a parent or other supervising adult is within arm’s reach. Tragedy can strike in mere seconds, so stay close and alert at all times when in—or even near—water. Children with autism may be prone to wander and be drawn to water.
4. Teach your child about the dangers of water. Adults often internalize and follow safety rules like “don’t run by the pool” or “don’t dive in the shallow end” without thinking to explain aloud to children about specific rules and why it is important to follow them. Be certain to explain to your child that as fun as water is, it can be very dangerous. Stress the importance of only going into water with adult supervision.
5. Enroll in swim lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends swimming lessons for children as young as one year old. Research indicates that the risk of drowning is reduced by 88 percent if children learn to swim by the age of four. Many community swim centers or gyms offer paid lessons. Your BCBA may even be able to recommend a swim class geared specifically for children with behavioral or developmental disabilities.
Spend time talking about the importance of water safety and take the time to put it into practice. Make safety the number one priority each and every time you and your child enjoy the water this summer!
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