There’s a heightened risk of water-related drowning among children with autism, especially children under four years old. Because of this issue, the Florida Autism Center compiled a list of safety measures to help families protect their children, mainly when they are near a water body or swimming.
And again, to mark National Water Safety Month, the Florida Autism Center has colluded with Aqua Safe Swim School to disseminate vital advice, guidelines, and tools for families who wish to enjoy a safe aquatic experience. The tips can be applied at the beach, swimming pool, or even boat riding.
Water safety tips
It cautions us to be vigilant and attentive when children are in and around water. You may assume that someone else will always be keeping an eye on them, but unfortunately, drowning can be silent and not noticed right away. To ensure the safety of a child, designate a responsible adult who can monitor them at all times as well as set up a plan for switching responsibilities when needed.
Moreover, ensure all buckets, containers, and kiddie pools are emptied when not in use and bathtubs are drained completely. This way, you become better prepared and can prioritize your child’s safety.
Take water safety precautions
If they are of an appropriate age to comprehend, have discussions about the dangers associated with water bodies. Remember, you’re not instilling fear but creating a healthy respect for water. For those living in a neighborhood with water bodies, ensure the proper fencing is in place to ensure your children do not wander off.
If your child is prone to wandering, you can always install pool alarms, water alarm bracelets, and GPS monitoring devices like AngelSense for an extra layer of security. Lastly, it is essential to create awareness in the entire community about water safety measures. Hence, talk to your neighbors and ask them to be watchful.
Start water safety early
They also encourage enrolling children in swimming school at a young age to acquaint them with water safety earlier & with supervision. Parents can consider companies like Safe Splash offer swimming classes specifically tailored for children with sensory disabilities. On top of swimming classes, ABA therapy also helps in building skills necessary for everyday safety, such as following instructions and walking with an adult. BlueSprig is one such solution that can help children learn essential safety skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.
sensory considerations
Having a calm, stress-free environment goes a long way when it comes to keeping your children safe in the water. If the environment is Loud, it can be overstimulating and cause fear. Make sure to equip your child with aqua shoes or a swim shirt so they do not feel overwhelmed by the sensations of water. Also, consider putting them in bright-colored clothing for easy identification amongst other swimmers.
Visual cues can also help children with ASD comprehend safety rules better; hence, it is recommended to review water safety rules as a family and hang the rules up in your house. Doing this before entering the water can help ensure that everyone remains safe when swimming.
