Autism Water Safety: 7 Practical Tips to Protect Your Loved Ones

mayo 7, 2025

Are People with Autism Sensitive to Water?

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children with autism, with statistics showing children on the spectrum are 160 times more likely to drown than their peers. This concerning statistic highlights the need to understand autism water safety, whether at home, in the pool, or on the beach. For parents, caregivers, and educators, understanding the unique challenges faced by niños con autismo around water can save lives.

As summer approaches, many families can plan pool days or visits to the beach, and might wonder: “Are people with autism sensitive to water?” The answer varies from person to person. Some individuals with autism are drawn to water, fascinated by the way it looks, feels, or sounds.

Others may fear it or struggle with sensory discomfort. Each person’s relationship with water is unique, but one thing is clear: autism water safety should be a priority for every caregiver.

Esta guía de Texas ABA Centers explores why children with autism are often drawn to water, the sensory challenges that can affect their safety, and actionable steps you can take to guarantee their protection, especially in this National Water Safety Month!

Why Autism Water Safety Matters

Children with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning than their neurotypical peers. According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, drowning is one of the most common causes of death among children with autism, particularly those under the age of 14. This risk often stems from a combination of factors: impaired danger awareness, a natural attraction to water, and challenges with communication and social interaction.

As we observe National Water Safety Day this May, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness and take meaningful steps to prevent accidents. It starts with education, preparation, and presence.

Understanding the Attraction to Water and Sensory Challenges

Why Children with Autism Are Drawn to Water

Many children with autism find water soothing. The feel of water provides sensory relief, and the sounds and movements have a calming effect. However, this natural attraction can lead to unsafe situations, particularly when a child wanders or doesn’t recognize the risks water can pose.

Según el Autism Society, children with autism are four times more likely to wander than their neurotypical peers, with 46% of them having eloped between the ages of 4 and 7. When children with autism wander, they are often found near bodies of water, increasing the risk of accidents. In fact, 91% of deaths among children with autism aged 14 or younger are due to accidental drowning.

The Role of Sensory Challenges

On the flip side, some children experience heightened sensory sensitivities to factors like noise, temperature, or texture. The loud splashes or chill of a pool may overwhelm their senses, making it difficult for adults to guide them in these environments. Others may struggle to process instructions in chaotic water settings, further complicating safety efforts.

Pool Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

Prevention is about addressing the needs of your loved one and implementing layers of protection. Below, we’ve outlined essential pool safety tips that can make a world of difference:

Constant Supervision and Designated Water Watchers: Always ensure that a responsible adult acts as a designated water watcher when children are near water. This person should avoid distractions like phones and alcohol and be solely focused on monitoring the child. Rotate shifts every 15–20 minutes with other adults to maintain alertness.
Implementing Layers of Protection: Creating a safe physical environment is crucial for autism water safety. Consider the following:

Fencing Around Pools: Install four-sided pool fences with self-latching gates to restrict unsupervised access to water.
Life Jackets: Texas law mandates that every person on a boat or paddle craft must have access to a life jacket approved by the Coast Guard. Additionally, children under 13 are legally required to wear their life jackets whenever the vessel is moving or drifting.

Put Phones Away: La YMCA’s “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign is a powerful reminder to avoid distractions. Children, especially those with autism, need undivided attention when near water.
Using Visual Supports and Social Stories: Children with autism often benefit from visual aids. Develop social stories that outline water safety rules in a relatable, step-by-step format. Use visual aids or picture-based rules, such as “Stay behind the pool gate” or “Always hold an adult’s hand near water.”
Swim Lessons Tailored to Autism: Adaptive swim programs are invaluable. Many local YMCAs, aquatic centers, and specialized instructors offer swim classes specifically designed for children with autism. These lessons focus on building familiarity and confidence in the water while teaching essential skills such as floating and kicking.
Teaching Water Competency: Según el Red Cross, learning water competency is critical for saving lives. Water competency includes survival swimming skills like floating, treading, and reaching the pool edge. These skills teach children not just how to swim but how to stay calm and safe in potentially dangerous situations.
Have an Emergency Plan: Teach your child to respond to whistles or hand signals. Make sure caregivers know CPR and how to call for help.

Essential Water Safety Skills for Children with Autism

Mastering the following autism water safety skills can significantly reduce the risk of accidents:

Entering and Exiting Water Safely: Teach your child how to enter water feet first and exit by holding onto the edge or using pool stairs.
Floating and Treading Water: Practice floating on the back and treading water, focusing on calmness and slow movements to instill confidence.
Turning Over and Around: Help your child practice flipping from their back to their stomach and vice versa. This skill can be life-saving if they accidentally fall into water.
Swimming a Short Distance: Teach your child to swim at least 25 yards to reach a safe exit point. Make these lessons fun and rewarding to maintain their interest.

How ABA Therapy Supports Water Safety

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is another crucial tool in teaching practical autism water safety routines and behaviors. ABA therapists work one-on-one to build life-saving skills tailored to the individual’s learning style. For example:

ABA teaches children to follow essential commands like “stop” or “go back,” which can be vital near water.
It helps address wandering behaviors by improving safety compliance and routine adherence.
With ABA, children can learn to follow multi-step safety instructions.
Therapists support children in developing communication skills that help them express fear, discomfort, or the need for help.

It builds functional communication, enabling children to signal for help if needed, even nonverbally.
Practice behaviors like staying with a group, waiting their turn, or asking permission—skills that are crucial in aquatic settings.
Parents and caregivers collaborating with ABA therapists can create a structured yet supportive framework for teaching water safety.

Texas ABA Centers: Empowering Parents and Caregivers Every Step of the Way

Autism water safety is not just a one-time lesson but a continuous effort requiring vigilance, education, and collaboration. By understanding the sensory and behavioral needs of children with autism, implementing safety measures, and prioritizing water competency skills, we can create secure environments that allow every child to enjoy the joys of water safely.

If you’re interested in how ABA therapy can support your child’s water safety skills, contact Texas ABA Centers today by calling (877) 771-5725 o contacting us online. Our compassionate team is here to help you and your child feel confident and prepared this National Water Safety Month and throughout the year!