Earlier this month, See Me Neurodiverse had the pleasure of hosting Tammy Ebert, CEO of Swim Possible, who shared vital insights on water safety. With drowning as one of the leading causes of death for autistic individuals, her presentation was a timely reminder of the precautions needed to safeguard neurodivergent children, particularly those prone to elopement.
Understanding the Risks
The statistics are alarming: neurodiverse children are 160 times more likely to experience drowning than their neurotypical peers. For autistic children, who are naturally drawn to water due to its sensory allure, this risk is compounded. Features like shimmering reflections and soothing tactile sensations make water irresistible. However, this attraction can lead to dangerous situations if proper safety measures aren’t in place.
Additionally, nearly half of children with autism are likely to elope or wander away, with a significant percentage unable to communicate vital personal information such as their name or address. This combination of elopement and water attraction heightens the need for a robust safety strategy.
Layered Approach to Safety
Tammy emphasized a "Six Layers of Protection" approach to drowning prevention:
Water Competency: Enroll children in adaptive swim lessons tailored to their unique needs. Look for programs that provide quiet environments, consistency in instructors, and individualized lesson plans.
Supervision: Ensure close, capable, and constant supervision around water.
Life Jackets: Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially around open water. Bright colors are recommended for quick visibility.
Barriers and Alarms: Secure pools and water features with fencing and alarms to alert caregivers of unauthorized access.
Elopement Preparedness: Understand triggers, use GPS devices or ID bracelets, and communicate with neighbors and first responders.
Emergency Response: Stay prepared with a clear plan for emergencies and take advantage of resources like the American Red Cross's Water Safety courses.
Why It Matters
Drowning happens silently and quickly, often within 30 seconds. For families, understanding the prevalence and implementing multiple layers of prevention can save lives. Tammy highlighted that relying solely on swim lessons is insufficient; a comprehensive safety plan is essential.
Empowering Families
Beyond preventing tragedy, swimming offers significant benefits to autistic children. It improves physical fitness, reduces repetitive behaviors, and enhances social interactions. Families find swimming a bonding activity that reduces stress and fosters connection.
As we learned from Tammy, water safety isn't just about prevention—it's about empowering children with a life skill while creating safe environments for them to explore their love of water. By embracing proactive measures, we can protect our neurodiverse community and celebrate their unique relationship with water.
Download Swim Possible's presentation which includes links to valuable resources below.
For more information about Swim Possible, visit www.swimpossible.org.