6 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Safe in the Water
Summer means sunshine, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities to play in the water. Whether it's a backyard pool, splash pad, lake, or family vacation, water can provide endless fun. But it also requires extra attention to keep your child safe. Many autistic children are naturally drawn to water. The movement, sound, temperature, and sensory experience can be calming and enjoyable. At the same time, some children may not recognize water-related dangers, understand boundaries, or respond consistently when their name is called. Because of this, water safety deserves special consideration. Here are 6 tips that can help you prepare for a safe and fun summer.
1. Designate an On-Duty Adult
When multiple adults are present, it's easy to assume someone else is keeping an eye on the children. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding can create dangerous gaps in supervision. Before water play begins, designate one adult as the On-Duty Adult. Their only job is to actively supervise children in and around the water. Avoid distractions such as phones, conversations, reading, or household tasks during this time.
If supervision needs to change, you should clearly communicate it by saying something like "I'm going inside. Can you be the On-Duty Adult now?" This simple handoff helps ensure that children are continuously supervised and reduces the risk of someone assuming another adult is watching.
2. Never Rely on Barriers Alone
Fences, gates, locks, and pool covers are important layers of protection, but they should never replace active supervision. Consider combining several safety measures, including:
• Designating an On-Duty Adult
• Using door and gate alarms
• Installing a pool fence with a self-latching gate
• Using life jackets when you're near open water
3. Practice Water Rules Frequently
Children often learn best through repetition and routine. To help keep the rules fresh in your child's mind, you can review water safety rules before every water-related activity. A few simple rules might include:
• Stop and wait before entering the water
• Ask an adult for permission before you get into the water
• Always stay where an adult can see you
• Hold hands with a trusted adult when walking near water
• Always walk, never run next to the water
• Stop when you hear your name
• Ask for help if you need it
• Tell an adult if you are tired or scared
4. Practice Responding to Safety Cues
Many water safety situations require children to listen for their name and respond quickly when they are given directions. You can work on these skills away from the water, and remind your child of how important they are before you play in the water. You can practice things like:
• Stopping when their name is called
• Coming to a trusted adult when asked
• Following one-step instructions
These things can be practiced during everyday play, and will be extremely useful for staying safe in the water.
5. Teach Swimming Skills Early
Swimming lessons can be an important safety tool for many children with autism. Look for instructors who have experience working with children of varying abilities and who can adapt teaching strategies to your child's learning style.
You can also talk with your swim instructor about incorporating water safety scenarios into lessons. For example, some instructors can help children practice climbing out of the pool while fully clothed, floating while wearing everyday clothes, or safely reaching the edge after an unexpected entry into the water. These experiences can help children become familiar with how heavy and different clothing feels in the water, better preparing them for a real-life emergency. While these activities should always be conducted under close supervision, they can be a valuable addition to traditional swim instruction.
And always remember, even strong swimming skills do not eliminate the need for supervision.
6. Prepare for New Environments
Community pools, lakes, hotels, and water parks can present unfamiliar situations. Before arriving at a new place, you can designate your first On-Duty Adult, discuss what the new environment will be like, review your safety rules, set any new expectations that you might need in this different environment, and identify safe areas or potential hazards.
Water play can be a wonderful opportunity to build communication, social, and safety skills while having fun together. Whether you're splashing in a sensory bin, visiting a splash pad, or spending a day at the pool, a little preparation can go a long way. Most importantly, remember that water safety is not a one-time lesson. Like many skills, it develops through practice, repetition, and support. By creating consistent routines and prioritizing supervision, families can help children enjoy all the fun that summer has to offer while staying safe around water.
