Water Safety Tips for Individuals With Autism

By Kami-Leigh Agard

As a beach-loving community, summer brings outdoor frolics and water activities. However, for families with autistic children, it also kicks off the deadly triad that is autism, wandering/elopement and drowning. Many individuals with autism are drawn to water. Whether it’s the calming sensory input, the movement, the carefree joy of splashing and swimming or just merely wiggling one’s fingers under a running faucet. Unfortunately, the attraction to water can lead to dangerous wandering incidents and drowning tragedies, of which sadly the local community knows too well. Just last week, Rockaway made the headlines when a high school senior drowned and went missing after being swept away by a wave near Beach 73rd Street. According to a study conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, drowning is the leading cause of death in autistic children under the age of 14, accounting for 91% of childhood deaths in this population. People with autism are 160x more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. These are heartbreaking statistics—but there’s hope if we band as a community and educate each other about the following critical water safety protocols.

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. Salt-T-Swim (https://www.saf-t-swim.com/locations/new-hyde-park-ny) offers an adaptive swimming program in New Hyde Park, Long Island. Also, the YMCA and NYC Parks offer programs for individuals with special needs.
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; and teach other children in the home to alert an adult if someone heads toward water. Also, alert neighbors with a pool about your concerns. In my experience, most people are compassionate and will go the extra mile to help.
3. Practice Water Safety in Daily Routines.The bathtub, sink, or even large buckets of water can pose risks. Reinforce: “First ask a grown-up,” before entering water; and “Only swim with a helper” rules. Also, incorporate 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. Also, use GPS tracking devices such as Angel Sense (https://www.angelsense.com/autism-tracker/) if wandering is a concern. And, if going on a boat, make sure the individual is wearing a life vest.
5. Never Swim Alone.Neither autistic adults nor children should ever swim alone. Model this behavior and make sure your child understands they should always be with a trusted adult before entering water, and as they get older, to buddy up. Use social stories to educate them about trusted adults and to never enter water alone. You can also use visual schedules to help demonstrate when it’s time for water play or swimming.
6. Talk to Your Therapy Team.For example, if the individual receives ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy, ask the provider to build a custom water safety plan into the programming. Goals might include: following safety instructions; responding to “stop” or “wait” cues; staying within safe boundaries; and communicating for help.
7. Train in CPR.Be prepared for an emergency by learning resuscitation, as well as basic water rescue. Many hospitals and organizations, such as the American Red Cross, offer CPR certification. Also, Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) will be hosting a CPR class this summer.

As a parent and founder of RBAF, I believe multifaceted water safety intervention programs are urgently needed to reduce the risk of drowning in not just special needs children, but all children. Let’s work together with our local electeds, FDNY and NYPD precincts to make it happen.

Join RBAF at our next monthly family support group meeting on Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m. (location TBD). Also, stay tuned for info about our upcoming summer events, including “Dance Under The Stars For Autism” at Caracas Beach Concession and Back To School Backpack Giveaway. For more info, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/ Instagram.