Autism and Water Safety: Essential Tips and Resources for Families

Progressive Pediatric Therapy • May 7, 2024
A woman is swimming in a pool with her hand out of the water.

Making a Splash: Water Safety for Kids with Autism

Did you know?

  • Drowning is the #1 cause of death in autism and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death? (source: Autism Society Florida)
  • Children with autism are 5 to 14 times more likely to drown in contrast to children without autism?
  • It takes as little as a four-inch opening for a child to escape (source: American Red Cross).
  • It takes as little as two inches of water and less than 20 seconds for a child to drown.

Water safety is a top priority for all families, but it’s especially important for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may face unique challenges around water. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy (PPT), we understand the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can enjoy the water safely. In this blog, we’ll explore the specific risks ASD children may encounter and how our therapy services can help prepare them for a safe and fun water experience.

Understanding the Risks

Children with autism often have sensory needs that attract them to the water. Additionally, challenges with social cues and safety awareness can put them at increased risk of accidents. Teaching prevention measures and recognizing hazard signs are crucial steps in keeping ASD children safe around water.

A warning sign with a stop sign in the middle

Visual Learning for Water Safety

Visual learning plays a key role in water safety to ASD children. At PPT, we recognize that visual tools can be used to reinforce learning not only for children with ASD but for everyone. A big red STOP sign on a pool fence, body of water or any other unsafe location may help every child avoid injury. That’s why we incorporate visual aids into most of our therapy sessions and encourage families to do the same at home. By providing clear visual boundaries and cues, we help ASD children understand and internalize important safety rules.

A woman is teaching a child how to swim in a swimming pool.

The Role of Pediatric Therapy

Our Speech Therapy (ST) and Occupational Therapy (OT) programs are designed to address the specific needs of ASD children and prepare them for swimming lessons. Through sensory integration techniques and skill-building activities, we help ASD children develop the foundational skills to begin to navigate water safely.

A man is teaching a child how to swim in a swimming pool.

Empowering Families

We believe that the key to drowning prevention for children with ASD begins with empowering families with knowledge and resources. That’s why we team up with our community partners such as PPT4ed , Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, Superhero Swim Academy, Hope4Mobility, and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County to help ASD children learn water safety skills in a supportive environment, while ensuring that families have access to the specialized instruction their children need. Furthermore, we provide Occupational, Speech, and Physical therapy services in the pool.

A collage of photos of people playing in a swimming pool.

Parent Tips for ASD children

  • Install child-proof boundaries and alarms around any pool or body of water at home.
  • Create a plan in case your special needs child wanders away.
  • Share your plan with your family, neighbors & emergency personnel and tell them about your child’s special needs.
  • Swimming lessons can begin as young as 6 months of age ( Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, Superhero Swim Academy).
  • Free/reduced programs are available: SwimAngel Fish, PBC Prevention Coalition.
Autism Drowning Prevention Pediatric Speech Occupational therapy

Resources for Further Education

These resources offer valuable insights and strategies for families seeking to enhance water safety for their children with autism. Each source provides unique perspectives and expertise, contributing to a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention and water safety education.

A little girl is swimming in a pool with a purple boogie board.

Water safety is a vital skill for children with autism, and with the right support and education, every child can learn to enjoy the water safely. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we’re committed to providing the tools and resources families need to keep their ASD children safe and confident in and around water. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to make a splash safely.

PPT is committed to empowering children and families through specialized Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy. With a compassionate team of pediatric therapists, PPT focuses on providing individualized care, enhancing development, and fostering hope and happiness in a supportive environment.

Curious if your child could benefit from our services? Contact us. For more parenting tips and tricks, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel . Share your own experiences in the comments below, or reach out if you have any questions!

Autism and Motor Skills: What New Exercise Research Shows

Does Physical Therapy Help Children With Autism? What New Research Says

By Aimee Brueck • July 24, 2026
A 2026 meta-analysis found structured exercise produced large gains in motor skills in autistic children. Here's what it means for parents and therapists.

Will an AAC Device Stop My Child From Talking? What New Research Says

By Aimee Brueck • July 21, 2026
The answer may surprise you. One of the biggest concerns parents have about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is: "If my child starts using an AAC device, will they stop trying to talk?" It's an understandable fear. Every parent wants to hear their child's voice. Many worry that introducing a communication device means they're giving up on speech. The good news is that decades of research continue to show the opposite. AAC does not prevent children from learning to talk. In fact, many children who use AAC develop spoken language just as quickly, or even more quickly, because they are finally able to communicate successfully while speech continues to develop. Now, exciting new research published in 2026 adds another reason for families to feel hopeful. It found that preschoolers using AAC can learn much more than requesting their favorite toy or snack. With the right therapy, they can begin building sentences and expressing more complex thoughts.
Person in a motorized exoskeleton using a kiosk in a hospital hallway

Supported Standing For Head & Trunk Control

By Mary B. Pengelley, PT, DPT, ATP • July 18, 2026
Chapter 1: Why Do Some Children Use Standers?

Mealtime Made Simple: Building Confident Eaters and Calmer Family Tables

By Aimee Brueck • July 10, 2026
For many families, mealtime can feel more stressful than enjoyable. Parents often worry when their child suddenly refuses foods they used to love or insists on eating only a small handful of familiar items. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we understand how confusing and frustrating picky eating can feel. Our Feeding & Mealtime Wellness Visit helps families turn mealtime struggles into calm, confident routines where children can explore food without pressure and parents can feel supported.

Help Your Child Move Beyond Screens: Build Play Skills That Support Development & Connection

By Aimee Brueck • July 3, 2026
In today’s tech-filled world, many parents notice the same pattern at home: when there’s a quiet moment, children often reach for a screen. While technology can be helpful in moderation, play remains one of the most important ways children grow, connect, and learn about the world. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Play Development Wellness Visit helps families understand how play develops and provides simple, practical strategies to encourage creativity, independence, and connection—without the daily battles over screen time.

The Benefits of Bike Riding for Kids: More Than Just a Fun Activity

By Aimee Brueck • June 26, 2026
For many families, learning to ride a bike is one of childhood’s biggest milestones.It represents freedom, confidence, independence, and fun.But for some children, bike riding can also feel frustrating, scary, or overwhelming. Parents often wonder:

The Power of Handwriting: Why Print and Cursive Still Matter for Kids

By Aimee Brueck • June 24, 2026
In today’s digital world, children are spending more time typing, tapping, and swiping, and less time writing by hand. Many parents notice the effects quickly.

Is Your Child Ready for School? Skills That Matter More Than ABCs

By Aimee Brueck • June 19, 2026
When parents think about kindergarten or preschool readiness, most think about academics first:

Prevent Summer Slide: Build Reading Confidence with Our Lively Letters Summer Intensive

By Aimee Brueck • June 17, 2026
Summer is a time for fun, family vacations, pool days, and a much-needed break from the school routine. But for many children, summer can also bring something educators call the “summer slide” the loss of important academic skills during the months away from school. For children who struggle with reading, language, or literacy confidence, those gaps can grow even wider over the summer months. That’s why Progressive Pediatric Therapy created our Summer Private Reading Intensive — a personalized, one-to-one literacy experience designed to help children strengthen foundational reading skills while building confidence and momentum before the new school year begins. Using the trusted Lively Letters® approach, our summer program combines evidence-based literacy instruction with engaging, multisensory learning strategies that help children stay motivated and successful.

Florida Medicaid CMS Plan Changes: What Families and Providers Need to Know About the 2026 Transition

By Aimee Brueck • June 12, 2026
Important changes are coming to Florida’s Medicaid Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Health Plan beginning October 1, 2026.