My child enjoys the water, and I want to plan a fun trip to the beach this summer. How can I help my child learn to be safe around water?
Water can be a source of great joy and therapeutic benefits for children, including those on the autism spectrum. However, it also presents significant risks, especially for autistic children who may have a natural attraction to water but lack awareness of the dangers it poses. Ensuring water safety for autistic children involves a combination of preparation, education, supervision, and creating a safe environment.
Let’s explore practical water safety tips tailored to the needs of autistic children, providing a comprehensive approach to keeping them safe around water.
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Understanding the Risks
The Attraction to Water
Many autistic children are drawn to water, finding it fascinating and calming. Many of the children I work with, or have in the past, absolutely enjoy activities that involve water. This natural attraction can be a double-edged sword, making it essential to take extra precautions to prevent accidents.
Of course, you want your child to have fun and participate in activities that they enjoy, but not at the cost of their safety.
Let’s go over some ways to address and minimize the dangers that children face when it comes to water.
Lack of Awareness of Danger
Unlike neurotypical children, children with autism may not recognize the inherent dangers associated with water. They might not respond to traditional warnings or instructions. For instance, there have been times during parent pick-ups when kids have bolted and run around the parent’s car.
This poses an immediate danger to the child. The parent and I had to jump straight into action and get the situation under control so that the child didn’t get injured.
This lack of awareness extends to environments with water, especially when children enjoy playing in the water.
Preparing for Water Safety
Educate Your Child
While it might take more time and effort, teaching children with autism about water safety is crucial. Use simple, clear language and visual aids if necessary. Social stories, which are short descriptions of a particular situation or activity, can be particularly effective. They can help your child understand the sequence of events and what is expected of them.
Example of a Social Story:
- “When we go swimming, I always stay with Mom or Dad.”
- “I do not go near the pool unless Mom or Dad is with me.”
Enroll in Swimming Lessons
Specialized swimming lessons designed for autistic children can be highly beneficial. These programs often have instructors trained to work with children with special needs, using techniques that cater to their learning styles.
Sometimes different techniques being used can be both visual and verbal instructions. For example, if your child is taking swimming lessons, you may have a visual story at home to read before the lessons start and also the instructor’s verbal directions.
Practice Water Safety at Home
Start water safety education at home. Use bath time to practice simple rules like “We only get in the tub when Mom or Dad says it’s okay.” Reinforce these rules consistently to help them become ingrained. Installing childproof locks on bathroom doors and ensuring constant supervision during bath time are essential steps in preventing unsupervised water access.
Supervision is Key
Never Leave Your Child Unattended
The most effective way to ensure water safety is through vigilant supervision. Autistic children can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. Whether you’re at home, at a pool, or near a natural body of water, always have an adult present who can give undivided attention to the child.
Use a “Water Watcher” System
When in a group setting, designate a “water watcher” to be responsible for supervising children near water. This person should have no other distractions and should change every 15-30 minutes to stay alert. I’ve seen this system work wonders at family gatherings, where it ensures that someone is always specifically tasked with keeping an eye on the children.
Creating a Safe Environment
Secure Your Home
Ensure that any water sources in and around your home are secured. This includes installing fences around pools with self-latching gates, using pool covers, and making sure doors and windows leading to water sources are locked. Motion alarms can also be a useful addition, alerting you if your child attempts to access these areas.
Use Safety Equipment
Equip your child with appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets or swim vests, especially if they are near a body of water. Make sure the life jacket fits properly and is comfortable for your child to wear.
If your child struggles with keeping a life jacket or swim vest on, it’s best to learn why and address it from there.
For example, if they are uncomfortable wearing the life jacket, work on desensitizing them wearing it before going on any water-based trips. This could look like them wearing the vest for short periods in the beginning and building up that tolerance.
Create Safe Water Play Areas
If your child loves water play, create a safe area where they can indulge this interest under supervision. A small, inflatable pool or a water table in a fenced yard can provide hours of enjoyment without the risks associated with larger bodies of water.
It will still be important to ensure a trusted adult is supervising these activities. However, this can be a great way to incorporate preferred activities in a safe and controlled manner.
Emergency Preparedness
Learn CPR
In the unfortunate event of an accident, knowing CPR can be life-saving. All caregivers, including family members and babysitters, should be trained in CPR. Local community centers, hospitals, and Red Cross chapters often offer CPR certification courses.
Have an Emergency Plan
Develop an emergency action plan that outlines steps to take if an accident occurs. Ensure all caregivers are familiar with the plan and know how to act quickly and efficiently. This plan should include emergency contact numbers, the location of safety equipment, and procedures for contacting emergency services.
Reinforce Water Safety Skills
Consistent Practice
Repetition and consistency are key to helping autistic children learn and retain water safety skills. Regularly review and practice these skills in different settings to reinforce their understanding and response. During swim lessons or family pool time, consistently go over the rules and praise your child for following them.
Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage safe behavior around water. Celebrate small successes and provide rewards for following safety rules. This approach not only reinforces good behavior but also makes learning about water safety a positive and enjoyable experience.
Stay Informed
Stay updated on water safety practices and continue to educate yourself about new strategies and tools that can help keep your child safe. Join support groups or online communities for parents of autistic children to share experiences and tips.
Conclusion
Water safety for autistic children requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By understanding the unique risks, educating your child, ensuring constant supervision, creating a safe environment, and being prepared for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, so tailor these tips to fit your child’s specific needs and abilities.
With careful planning and vigilance, you can help your autistic child enjoy the benefits of water play safely!
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