Drawn to Water: Autism and Drowning

Did you know that Florida has the most child drownings resulting in death? Drowning is the #1 preventable death in ages 1-4 and children with autism (ASD) are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their neurotypical peers. 

At Safety First PediAquatics, we teach your child life-saving swimming skills first and foremost, all while encouraging respect and love for the water. Your child will learn to swim float swim. Lessons are conducted in our indoor heated pool with toys for fun, and tools to advance their skills. This creates a learning environment similar to what your children will be exposed to when they’re around your everyday swimming pool. We want your child to be exposed to real-life scenarios with nothing out of the ordinary. 

Children with autism are DRAWN TO WATER. The shimmer, the bubbles, the way the water feels on their skin. That paired with a lack of danger awareness can easily lead to a lethal combination. According to the Department of Health and CDC, most children who drown are between the ages of 1 year old and 4 years old. Just 5 years ago, in 2018, 76% of drownings were children 3 years and younger. According to the CDC, the average age of a child diagnosed with ASD is 4.5 years old. There is a strong correlation between the number of young children who lose their lives to drowning and the possibility of later being diagnosed with ASD. The reasoning is that kids with autism tend to escape and wander, having no regard for safety, and are also naturally attracted to the water. 

As stated previously, the drowning rate for those with ASD is 160 times greater than those who are typically developing. That number is HUGE! By bringing awareness to the community and to families who have little ones with special needs, Safety First PediAquatics aims to significantly lower that number. 

• 32% of parents reported a “close call” with a possible drowning

• 74 % of drowning is a result of escape and wandering 

Safety First PediAquatics offers one-to-one private swim lessons. Our instructors are trained certified swim instructors who specialize in teaching children as young as 6 months old to swim float swim. SFPA’s Basic Training course is a 4-week course, Monday - Friday, 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 20 consecutive lessons. Our lessons will ensure your child retains as much information as possible rather than a group program of multiple students for 30-45 minutes only 1-2 times a week. Our one-to-one lessons focus strictly on your child, their capabilities, and progression which then in return benefits both the child and instructor to ensure success. 

It’s of the utmost importance to get your child into swim lessons. Please DO NOT ASSUME that your child cannot learn to swim because of any physical or mental disability. Speak with your family doctor and please reach out to us here at Safety First PediAquatics. Many children with autism are incredible swimmers after they are properly taught. For more information on swim lessons or to learn more about our instructors, please visit www.safetyfirstpediaquatics.com or call 407-492-9952. 

Sources : 

https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

https://www.autismfl.org/drowning-prevention#:~:text=In%202018%2C%20there%20were%2088,that%20impact%20autism%20every%20day.

https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-safety-facts/swimming-instructions/