Many children are drawn to water. It can be calming, fun, and sensory-rich—but for children with autism, this attraction can be even stronger. Unfortunately, this love of water can come with serious risks.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children with autism. That’s a heartbreaking statistic—but one we can work to change.

With the right information and preparation, families can enjoy water safely and confidently. Whether it’s a backyard pool, a beach trip, or even the bathtub, here’s what you should know.

Understanding the Risks

Children with autism may be especially vulnerable around water due to:

• Wandering or elopement—a tendency to wander away from safe areas
• Limited danger awareness—not recognizing what’s risky
• Sensory seeking—water feels good, which may increase attraction
• Communication challenges—difficulty asking for help or expressing discomfort
• Delays in motor planning or coordination—making swimming or self-rescue harder

These are not parenting failures. They are part of the neurodevelopmental profile of autism—and they mean we need to plan ahead with care.

Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Child Safe

1. Start Swim Lessons Early—and Be Consistent

Look for programs that specialize in working with neurodivergent children or offer private instruction. The goal isn’t just swimming—it’s learning safety skills like floating, turning, and exiting the water independently.

If your child struggles with traditional lessons, try:

• Shorter sessions
• Visual supports or schedules
• Sensory-friendly instructors or environments

2. Secure Your Home Environment

If you have a pool or live near water:

• Use four-sided fences with self-latching gates
• Install door alarms or window sensors
• Keep safety equipment (like a life ring or pool hook) nearby
• Teach other children in the home to alert an adult if someone heads toward water

3. Practice Water Safety in Daily Routines

The bathtub, sink, or even large buckets of water can pose risk. Reinforce:

• “First ask a grown-up” before entering water
• “Only swim with a helper” rules
• Simple safety steps like putting on a life vest, even in pretend play

4. Prepare for Outings

When visiting new places with water (beaches, lakes, family homes):

• Scout the area ahead of time
• Bring visual rules or reminders
• Assign a “water watcher” adult—no phones or distractions, and no breaks until you are relieved by someone who assumes the role
• Use GPS tracking devices if wandering is a concern

5. Talk to Your Therapy Team

Your ABA provider can help build a custom water safety plan into your child’s programming. Goals might include:

• Following safety instructions
• Responding to “stop” or “wait” cues
• Staying within safe boundaries
• Communicating for help

Compassion First, Always

If reading this blog makes your heart race a little—you’re not alone. Water safety is a heavy topic, but it’s one we talk about because it matters. And because there’s so much we can do.

No plan is perfect. No parent can be everywhere at once. But awareness and preparation can turn something scary into something empowering. It’s not about fear—it’s about confidence.

Final Thoughts

Your child deserves to enjoy water safely. Whether it’s splashing in the pool or floating in the tub, these moments can bring joy, calm, and connection. With a few extra supports, that’s entirely possible.

You know your child best—and with the right tools and team, you can keep them safe and supported in every environment, including the water.

Let’s keep them safe. Let’s keep them learning. And let’s keep them smiling.