DROWNING CRISIS
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for young children in Florida, and children with disabilities face an even greater risk due to wandering (elopement), attraction to water, communication challenges, and difficulty recognizing danger. Many drowning incidents occur quickly and silently, often within minutes and close to home. The good news is that drowning is preventable.
Through layers of protection—including active supervision, swimming lessons, barriers around water, life jackets, and CPR training—families and communities can work together to keep children safe and save lives.
Drowning is Preventable
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children. For children with disabilities, including autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities, the risk is even greater.
Many children are naturally attracted to water, may wander or elope, have difficulty recognizing danger, or may not be able to communicate when they are in trouble.
The good news is that drowning is preventable. Layers of protection can save lives.
Why Are Children with Disabilities at Increased Risk?
Some children may:
- Be drawn to water such as pools, lakes, canals, ponds, fountains, or beaches.
- Wander away from home, school, or caregivers.
- Have difficulty understanding safety rules.
- Lack swimming skills.
- Have communication challenges that make it difficult to call for help.
- Have sensory interests related to water.
- Overestimate their swimming ability.
- Freeze or panic in an emergency.
Every child is different, but understanding your child’s unique strengths and challenges is the first step toward prevention.
The Five Layers of Water Safety
1. Constant Adult Supervision
Nothing replaces active supervision.
When children are near water:
- Designate a “Water Watcher.”
- Put away phones and distractions.
- Stay within arm’s reach of young or vulnerable children.
- Avoid assuming another adult is watching.
Drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds.
2. Barriers and Secure Environments
Create layers of protection around water.
Consider:
- Four-sided pool fencing
- Self-closing and self-latching gates
- Door alarms
- Window alarms
- Pool alarms
- GPS tracking devices
- Home security systems
Remember that supervision and barriers should work together.
3. Learn to Swim
Swimming lessons are one of the most effective drowning prevention tools available.
When selecting lessons:
- Look for instructors experienced with children with disabilities.
- Ask about sensory accommodations.
- Discuss communication needs.
- Practice regularly.
Swimming lessons reduce risk, but do not make a child “drown proof.”
Florida offers a swim voucher to children in need. Information on the swim voucher can be found here.
4. Wear Life Jackets
Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets (water wings and puddle jumpers are NOT Coast Guard approved):
- Around lakes, canals, rivers, and beaches.
- On boats and docks.
- During water activities when swimming skills are limited.
Water wings and inflatable toys are not safety devices.
5. Learn CPR
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, babysitters, and siblings should know CPR.
If a drowning emergency occurs:
- Remove the child from the water.
- Call 911.
- Begin CPR if the child is not breathing normally.
- Continue until emergency responders arrive.
Immediate CPR can save a life and improve outcomes.
If Your Child Elopes
Because many children who wander are attracted to water, every family should have an elopement plan.
SEARCH WATER FIRST
If your child is missing:
Call 911 immediately.
Tell dispatch that your child has a disability and may be attracted to water.
Check pools, canals, ponds, lakes, retention ponds, and nearby waterways first.
Provide a recent photo.
Alert neighbors and family members.
Time matters. Seconds count.
