Everyone should know about water safety, especially children with autism. Enrolling your children in swimming lessons helps prevent drowning. Autism and water obsession go hand in hand. It is important to teach children with autism how to stay safe in all bodies of water including bathtubs and swimming pools. This can potentially save their lives.
Tip #1: Water Safety Training is Necessary
Children with autism are drawn to water. So we should educate them about water safety. We should show them how to float in case something happens when they are unsupervised. Getting in the water can be scary, which can lead to screaming and crying. Follow these steps to comfort your child:
- Massage your child’s head.
- Reassure them verbally.
- Let them float on their back until they stop screaming and hold them close.
Read our guide to prepare your child with autism for their first swimming lesson. This will make sure your child is comfortable in the water. Additionally, swimming lessons will become something to look forward to!
Tip #2: Inform them of Water Dangers
Children with autism are not aware of the dangers associated with water. Experienced swimmers are at risk for drowning as well. Remind your child about a few things such as:
- Only swimming when an adult’s closeby
- No running on the pool deck
- Learning to swim
You should not let your fears as a parent prevent your child from swimming. However, you should always watch your child when they are in or near water. This prevents them from running by the pool and falling in. You should also emphasize how learning to swim will keep your child with autism safe
Tip #3: Private Swimming Lessons
One-on-one swimming is a key part of water safety training. They give your child what they need to succeed. Some of the aspects are:
- Proper supervision
- Full attention and care
- A sense of comfort
Your child with autism will be much safer during private swim lessons. The instructor will be able to focus on helping your child achieve their swimming goals. It will also be much easier for the two of them to bond. Plus learning in their home pool will let the learning space double as a practice space! Click here to learn more about the benefits swimming lessons offer for kids with autism.
