Keeping Kids with Autism Safe: The Importance of Water Safety

Autism and Water Safety

As a parent and educator, water safety has always been a concern for me. Hearing that drowning is the leading cause of death in autistic children sends a chill down my spine every time I read it. The fear hit home hard when one of my twins was a toddler. He had a terrifying near-drowning experience in a family swimming pool. It's a memory that still gives me chills to this day. Thankfully, besides a nerve-wracking ride in an ambulance, he came out unharmed. But it's a stark reminder that as much as we try to protect our kids, accidents can happen. Still, there are steps we can take to reduce the risks and keep our little ones safe around water.

Here are some key points to consider when with autistic children and water.

Do's:

1. Supervise: Always keep a close eye on children with autism around water, as they may be drawn to it without understanding the dangers. Autistic children may require close supervision past the age other children might be considered safe if they are particularly unaware of physical dangers or highly distractible.

2. Teach water safety skills: Provide explicit instruction on water safety behaviors, such as asking for permission before entering the water. Don't assume anything. I was shocked to realize my middle son had no idea he couldn't go into a lake without telling me where he was going first. Many things that seem obvious to us, may not be as obvious to the mind of child with autism.

3. Use visual supports: Utilize visual aids and social stories to reinforce water safety rules and expectations in a clear and accessible way. Many children with autism are strong visual learners and are able to retain information more easily if it is presented in a visual format as well as verbal.

4. Practice water entry and exit: Help children with autism learn how to safely enter and exit the water, emphasizing the importance of using steps or a ramp. This is important so children are not tempted to jump in areas where they might not be seen or would be more difficult to help.

5. Encourage communication: Teach children the importance of always letting an adult know what they are doing when they are around water, in particular entering water or when they are getting overheated or tired and need a break.

6. Promote comfort around water: Create positive experiences with water to build confidence and reduce anxiety, such as gentle water play, sensory activities, or fun outings to local pools. It is tempting to avoid taking a child who may be challenging, around water, however, in order to learn safety around water it is important that they have safe opportunities with adults guiding them to learn the important rules around water.

Don'ts:

1. Leave unattended: Never leave a child with autism unsupervised near water, even for a moment, as they may wander or impulsively enter the water. Some autistic children are drawn to water and no matter how many times they have been warned or asked to stay out of a body of water, they may not be able to resist its allure.

2. Rely solely on flotation devices: Avoid assuming that flotation devices alone are sufficient to keep children with autism safe in water. Supervision is key.

3. Force water activities: Refrain from pressuring or coercing children with autism into water activities if they show signs of fear or discomfort.

4. Underestimate risks: Don't underestimate the risks associated with water for children with autism, including sensory-seeking behaviors or impulsivity.

5. Neglect safety barriers: Ensure that pools, ponds, or other bodies of water are properly fenced and secured to prevent accidental entry.

6. Forget to review rules: Regularly review and reinforce water safety rules with children with autism, as repetition is key to learning and retention. Whenever possible present rules both verbally and with a visual.

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Hopefully these guidelines help caregivers and educators create a safer environment for children with autism around water, promoting confidence, independence, and enjoyment in aquatic activities.