Everyone Should Learn to Swim
Swimming is not an instinctive skill; humans need to be taught basic water survival techniques.
All adults and children should learn essential swimming skills as early as possible.
Caretakers should understand that children are never “drown proof,” even if they have had swim lessons.
While swimming lessons cannot eliminate the risk of drowning, they provide a critical, life-saving layer of protection.
When to Start & Where to Look
Consult your pediatrician before enrolling children in water safety or swimming lessons.
All adults and children should learn essential swimming skills as early as possible.
Caretakers should understand that children are never “drown proof,” even if they have had swim lessons.
While swimming lessons cannot eliminate the risk of drowning, they provide a critical, life-saving layer of protection.
The Hidden Danger: Autism & Drowning Risk
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children with autism, and Florida leads the nation in child drowning fatalities. Kids with ASD are 160 times more likely to experience both fatal and nonfatal drownings compared to their neurotypical peers. Many children with autism are naturally drawn to water, have a high tendency to wander, and are drowning at alarming rates. Drowning is preventable, but families need access to critical resources—door alarms, swim lessons, CPR training, and guidance from pediatricians and professionals who can educate them on the strong link between wandering and drowning.