Water Safety Tips for Children with Autism

Summer opens the door to outdoor activities, and for many families, time near water becomes a central part of the season. Whether it’s a backyard pool, a trip to the lake, or a visit to a local splash pad, water play offers both excitement and challenges. For children with autism, the sensory experience of water can be especially appealing, but it also comes with heightened risks that require extra attention.

Understanding the relationship between autism and water safety is vital. Children on the autism spectrum are statistically more vulnerable around water due to a combination of factors, including sensory seeking, impulsivity, and communication differences. Creating a plan for safety can help reduce risks and support a more confident, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Why Children with Autism Face Increased Water-Related Risks

Children with autism often experience the world in unique ways. Many are drawn to water because of its soothing and repetitive sensory qualities. At the same time, water can present dangers that aren’t always immediately recognized or understood.

For some children, wandering, also called eloping, is a concern. A child may be attracted to a nearby body of water but be unaware of the risks involved. Others may not respond to verbal warnings in the way adults expect. In moments where quick action is needed, these differences in perception or communication can delay safety responses.

Unfortunately, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children with autism. Awareness of this reality doesn’t mean parents should avoid water altogether, it means that safety strategies must be carefully considered and consistently applied.

Supporting Autism and Safety Around Water

Preparation is one of the strongest tools available to families. The following water safety tips for autism are designed to meet the needs of children on the spectrum, while still encouraging active, joyful participation in summer activities.

Choose Swimming Lessons That Support Neurodiversity

Swimming is a life-saving skill, and many programs now offer adaptive swim lessons designed for children with autism. These classes often move at a slower pace, include visual supports, and are led by instructors who understand sensory processing and communication differences.

Some autism therapy centers even include aquatic therapy, blending water exposure with therapeutic goals like following instructions, managing transitions, or improving motor coordination.

Use Visual Supports and Repetition

Many children on the autism spectrum benefit from clear visuals and repeated practice. Visual schedules, picture cards, or social stories can help a child prepare for what to expect at the pool or beach. Reviewing safety steps ahead of time, like staying within arm’s reach of an adult or waiting for permission before entering the water, reinforces understanding and reduces anxiety.

Invest in Physical Barriers and Safety Technology

When water is nearby, barriers make a difference. For homes with pools, install four-sided fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Door alarms, pool alarms, and GPS devices can add another layer of security, especially for children who are prone to wandering.

These tools don’t replace supervision, but they can help buy precious seconds in an emergency.

Stay Within Arm’s Reach at All Times

No matter how strong a child’s swimming skills are, constant supervision is essential. For children with autism, adults should stay close, ideally within arm’s reach, whenever water is involved. This is especially important if the child is still learning how to float or doesn’t respond to verbal instructions during moments of stress.

Practice Water Safety Within Therapy Sessions

Therapy teams can support safety goals as part of broader developmental work. For example, a behavioral therapist might help a child practice waiting, following directions, or tolerating wearing a life jacket. Embedding these lessons into autism therapy allows for individualized reinforcement and familiar instruction in a structured setting.

Select Calm, Predictable Environments

Busy, noisy pools can be overwhelming. Choosing quieter times of day or visiting less crowded locations can help children stay regulated and better able to follow safety rules. Providing ear protection, shaded areas, or fidget tools before and after swimming can also make the overall experience more manageable.

Safety Planning with Your Child in Mind

Water safety plans are most effective when they’re based on your child’s specific needs, not just general advice. Think about what your child enjoys about water, what tends to trigger anxiety or overstimulation, and how they best respond to guidance. From there, build routines and rules that align with their communication style and comfort level.

Children with autism are capable of learning safety skills, especially when they’re taught patiently, reinforced consistently, and modeled by trusted adults. Encouraging independence doesn’t mean removing all boundaries; it means teaching those boundaries in a way that makes sense to your child.

Making Summer Safe and Enjoyable

Families should feel supported in offering their children positive summer experiences. With preparation and care, water can be a safe and enriching part of those memories. Understanding the relationship between autism and water safety allows parents and caregivers to anticipate challenges while giving children opportunities to build confidence, regulation, and joy.

This isn’t about restriction, it’s about creating conditions where everyone can participate more fully.

Supporting Safety and Growth With Empower Behavioral Health

At Empower Behavioral Health, we understand that water safety is more than a seasonal concern; it’s part of helping your child build confidence, communication, and independence in everyday life. Through compassionate ABA therapy services, we help children develop skills they can carry into the pool, the classroom, and beyond.

Whether your child is enrolled in our full-time ABA day program or receives part-time focused ABA therapy, our team is here to support meaningful progress, tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help your family make safety a part of everyday growth.