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How can I keep a child with autism safe around water?
Summer brings a natural increase in water activities—swimming pools open, beaches fill with families, and backyard water play becomes a daily occurrence. For most children, these activities represent simple summer fun. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, water safety presents a significant concern.
Data from the CDC shows that over 4,500 people died from drowning annually between 2020 and 2022 in the United States. Within these statistics lies a troubling pattern: according to the National Autism Association, drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism who wander, with these children being 160 times more likely to experience fatal drowning than their neurotypical peers.
Water safety requires thoughtful consideration for all families, but it demands specialized understanding and strategies for families of neurodiverse individuals. In this blog by ABA Centers of Rhode Island, we explore the unique challenges that individuals with autism experience and strategies for safe swimming.
Why Children with Autism Face Heightened Water Risks
Understanding the unique factors that contribute to increased drowning risk is essential for developing effective water safety protocols:
Water Fascination: Many children with autism experience a powerful attraction to water. The sensory experience, the visual movement, the enveloping pressure, the calming sound—can be particularly appealing, drawing them toward bodies of water without awareness of potential dangers.
Elopement Tendencies: Research published in Pediatrics reveals that approximately 49% of children with autism attempt to wander from safe environments—a rate nearly four times higher than their neurotypical siblings.
Moreover, a study in Injury Epidemiology found that most drowning incidents involving children with autism occurred in natural water bodies near the victims’ homes, often ponds, rivers, and lakes, typically in afternoon hours. Wandering was identified as the precipitating factor in nearly 74% of these tragic incidents
Risk Perception Challenges: Many children with autism process danger signals differently, making it difficult for them to recognize the risks associated with deep or turbulent water. They may wade into dangerous situations without hesitation or fear.
Communication Barriers: Children with limited verbal abilities may be unable to call for help when in distress. Even those who typically communicate well may struggle to express themselves in unfamiliar or stressful water situations.
National Water Safety Month: A Moment to Educate and Prepare
Observed every May, National Water Safety Month promotes education, prevention, and awareness about drowning risks across all age groups. Respected organizations support the initiative, such as the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
For families in Rhode Island, National Water Safety Month is the perfect time to start having meaningful conversations about drowning prevention, especially if you have a child with autism.
“The National Water Safety Month campaign plays a foundational role in leading the conversation about how to keep families safer in the water,” notes the coalition. Through media outreach, legislative advocacy, and community education, this initiative continues to strengthen water safety awareness nationwide.
Essential Water Safety Strategies for Children with Autism
Creating a safer environment for children with autism doesn’t mean avoiding water altogether. In fact, many children thrive in aquatic settings once the right supports are in place. Here are key strategies families can use to promote safe swimming and boost confidence:
1. Professional Swim Instruction
Specialized swim lessons can be transformative for children with autism. Look for programs in Rhode Island that offer:
- Instructors experienced with neurodivergent children
- Small class sizes or one-on-one instruction
- Consistent routines and clear visual instructions
- Sensory-friendly environments (reduced noise, adjusted lighting)
- Emphasis on water survival skills, not just swimming techniques
Many Rhode Island recreational centers now offer adaptive aquatics programs for autism, including:
- YMCA adaptive programs
- Safe Splash
- Gold Fish Swimming School – Warwick
2. Layers of Physical Protection
Environmental modifications serve as critical barriers between children and potential water hazards:
- Install four-sided fencing (at least 4 feet high) with self-closing, self-latching gates around pools
- Secure access to natural water features on or near your property
- Use door alarms, window locks, and chimes to alert you to elopement attempts
- Consider pool alarms that detect water disturbance
- Remove toys from water when not in use to reduce attraction
More about pool safety here.
3. Visual Teaching Tools
Many children with autism process visual information more effectively than verbal instructions. Enhance water safety education through:
- Clear, simple picture cards showing water safety rules
- Social stories about safe swimming practices
- Video modeling of appropriate behavior around water
- Visual boundary markers around water features
- Picture schedules for water activities that emphasize safety steps
These visual supports should be reviewed regularly, not just before water outings, to reinforce critical safety concepts.
4. Constant, Active Supervision
The importance of vigilant supervision cannot be overstated:
- Designate a specific “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is monitoring children in or near water
- Practice the “touch supervision” approach (staying within arm’s reach) for children with autism around water
- Eliminate all distractions (phones, reading materials, lengthy conversations) during supervision
- Use bright, high-visibility swimwear to make your child easier to spot quickly
- Create a supervision schedule among adults for extended water activities to prevent fatigue
5. Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies is a fundamental aspect of water safety:
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue techniques
- Keep rescue equipment readily accessible near home water features
- Create and practice a family emergency action plan
- Ensure all caregivers know the plan and their specific responsibilities
- Consider professional medical alert systems for children with wandering tendencies
How ABA Therapy Supports Water Safety Skills Development
At ABA Centers of Rhode Island, we recognize that water safety requires a specialized approach for children with autism. Our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs include customized interventions to address the specific water safety challenges that your child may face, including:
- Systematic Safety Instruction
- Wandering Prevention
- Functional Communication Training
- Sensory Integration Approaches
- Family Training
Our evidence-based approach focuses not just on teaching skills but also on ensuring their transfer to real-world environments where they matter most.
How ABA Centers of Rhode Island Supports Your Family
At ABA Centers of Rhode Island, we recognize that safety skills are essential life skills, especially for children with autism. Our team supports families across the state by providing individualized ABA therapy that helps children build critical tools for communication, regulation, and safe behavior.
Through personalized intervention, we can help your child understand danger, follow instructions, and respond effectively in real-world situations like being near water.
If you’re in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, or any Rhode Island area, contact us today at (855) 922-4184 or fill out our form and learn how ABA therapy can support your child’s growth and safety.
