Water Safety Essentials: Keeping Children with Autism Safe This Summer
Introduction from Dr. Autumn Flick:
Hi there! 🌟. Over the past years, I've walked alongside parents as they've faced the realities of water safety. I've worked with learners who love water so much they will dart into a busy parking lot to play in a puddle 🌧️, run into the ocean without stopping 🌊, or spontaneously jump into a neighbor's pool if they leave their gate open 🏊♂️. While every situation was unique, the parents' fear was real. After working with learners, we achieved results that allowed them to follow water safety while having skills should they encounter water. In other words, letting water be fun instead of scary/life-threatening 🛟😊.
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, often spent around pools, beaches, and lakes. However, water safety is a critical concern, especially for families with children on the autism spectrum, who may face additional challenges such as wandering, limited awareness of danger, and varying swimming capabilities. This article provides vital tips and strategies to ensure a safe and enjoyable water experience for children with autism.
Prevention Strategies for Water Safety 🚫🌊
Supervision is Key: Always have a responsible adult supervise children when they are near water, including pools, bathtubs, and even large puddles.
Barriers and Alarms: Install fences around pools, use pool covers, and ensure gates are locked. Consider pool alarms that alert you if someone enters the water.
Swim Lessons: Enroll your child in swim lessons early. Knowing how to swim can save lives. If necessary, look for programs designed for children with special needs.
Life Jackets: Ensure children wear life jackets near open water, even if they know how to swim.
Clear Rules: Establish and enforce clear rules about water safety. For instance, no running near the pool and no swimming without an adult present.
Social Stories and Teaching New Skills 📖🧠
Social stories can be a powerful tool in teaching water safety to children. Here is an example:
Title: My [Insert your child’s name!] Water Safety Story 🌊👶
Slide/Page 1: Cover Page
Title: My Water Safety Story
Image: Picture of your child smiling near a pool or water (with a floatie on if possible).
Text: "This is my water safety story. It will help me stay safe and have fun in the water!"
Slide/Page 2: Wearing Safety Devices
Title: Always Wear My Floaties
Image: Picture of your child wearing floaties.
Text: "I always wear my floaties when I am near the pool. Floaties help keep me safe in the water."
Slide/Page 3: Walking Feet
Title: Walking Feet Near the Pool
Image: Picture of your child walking carefully by the pool.
Text: "I use my walking feet when I am near the pool. Running is not safe because I might slip and fall."
Slide/Page 4: Staying Close to a Parent
Title: Stay Close to My Parent
Image: Picture of your child holding hands with a parent or designated supervisor by the pool.
Text: "I stay close to my parent or the person watching me. They help keep me safe."
Slide/Page 5: Listening to Rules
Title: Listening to Pool Rules
Image: Picture of your child looking at a sign with pool rules or listening to a parent.
Text: "I listen to the pool rules. They help me know what to do to stay safe."
Slide/Page 6: Having Fun Safely
Title: Having Fun in the Water
Image: Picture of your child smiling and playing safely in the pool.
Text: "I can have lots of fun in the water when I follow the rules. Safety first means more fun!"
Slide/Page 7: When To Exit Pool/Beach [This can prevent problem behavior when water time is done]
Title: When It’s Time to Be “All done”
Image: Picture of a lifeguard at the beach/pool blowing a whistle
Text: "When the whistle blows, it’s time to be all done!"
Slide/Page 8: Emergency Preparedness
Title: What to Do in an Emergency
Image: Picture of a parent demonstrating rescue techniques or a CPR poster.
Text: "If something happens, I stay calm and wait for help. My parent knows what to do to keep me safe."
Preparing for Emergencies 🚨🛟
In case of an emergency, it’s crucial to know what to do if a child falls into the water. Here are the steps to take:
Stay Calm: Panic can make the situation worse. Try to remain calm to think clearly and act quickly.
Injury Treatment: Small injuries, such as a cut foot, can look more severe in water as blood spreads. Stay calm and try to keep your child from seeing the blood to prevent them from becoming more frightened.
Call for Help: Yell for help immediately. Call 911 if necessary.
Rescue Techniques: If you are trained, perform a rescue. If not, try to use a long object to reach the child without entering the water yourself.
CPR: Knowing CPR can be life-saving. Consider getting certified and keeping instructions posted in your home.
Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place and practice it with your child. Ensure they know what to do if they fall into water, like staying calm and floating on their back.
Children with autism may be particularly drawn to water, attracted by its sensory aspects. However, this attraction can pose significant risks, including increased chances of wandering and accidental drowning. Recognizing these risks is the first step in proactive prevention.
Reach Out To Orchid! 🌟🤝
Our Orchid team is dedicated to supporting families in creating effective social stories and teaching essential water safety skills. We can collaborate with you to develop personalized social stories that resonate with your child's unique needs, helping them understand and follow safety rules. Additionally, our skilled team members are available to teach these vital skills in a fun and engaging manner. We can even attend a swim lesson or two to assist the instructor, ensuring your child receives the extra support they need to feel confident and safe in the water. Together, we can make water safety a positive and empowering experience for your child!
In Summary:
By implementing these safety strategies, parents can help create a safe and enjoyable summer for their children with autism. Water activities offer wonderful sensory experiences and opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and fun. With careful planning and vigilant supervision, the water can be a delightful environment for all. Stay vigilant and always be prepared. Enjoy the water safely this summer, and remember, preparation is key to ensuring that fun times remain safe for everyone involved.
