Summer in Texas means splash pads, swimming pools, lake days, and chasing some relief from the heat. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, you probably already know that water can be both a source of joy and serious concern.
The truth is, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children with autism. That’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to open the door for a conversation about what we can do. There’s a lot that’s in our control.
Why Water Is Risky, Especially for Our Kids
Kids with autism are often drawn to water. It can be calming, quiet, and fun. But when a child doesn’t understand danger, has trouble following instructions, or tends to wander, water becomes a very real risk.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, multiple children have already drowned in 2025 and we haven’t even hit peak pool season. Because so many drownings happen while adults are present, supervision alone isn’t always enough. It’s important to use layers of safety.
What Can Parents Do to Help Keep Kids Safe?
Here’s what we recommend to families at Let’s Play N Grow:
1. Put your child in bright-colored swimwear
Neon orange, pink, or yellow swimsuits are easier to spot underwater. Avoid blues or greens, which can blend into the pool or lake. A simple switch like this makes your child more visible and safer (Parents.com).
2. Use visuals to teach water safety
Create a simple rule card or social story with photos that show things like “Only go in the water with a grown up” “Wait for “go” or a thumbs up before getting in” “Stop at the pool gate”
Pair pictures with short, clear language. Review it before every water outing, even if they’ve seen it a dozen times.
3. Practice “ready, set, wait”
This is one of our favorite ABA strategies for water safety. Whether you’re getting into the bathtub or about to go swimming, practice saying “Ready… set… wait!” and teach your child to pause until you give the green light. You can reward that wait with praise or a preferred toy. Over time, it helps with impulse control.
4. Teach “stop” and “come here” in different places
Your child might follow these directions at home, but what about at the beach or when something exciting is happening? Practice “stop” and “come here” in real-life situations like driveways, sidewalks, or parks. Then bring those skills into water settings.
5. Practice “ready, set, wait”
This is one of our favorite ABA strategies for water safety. Whether you’re getting into the bathtub or about to go swimming, practice saying “Ready… set… wait!” and teach your child to pause until you give the green light. You can reward that wait with praise or a preferred toy. Over time, it helps with impulse control.
6. Assign a dedicated water watcher
At any water activity, choose one adult to be fully responsible for eyes-on supervision. No phones, no distractions. Rotate every 15 minutes. This works better than having everyone “keep an eye out,” which too often turns into no one watching (Parents.com).
7. Focus swim lessons on safety first
Look for adaptive swim programs in Texas that understand autism. Skills like rolling onto the back, grabbing the wall, or getting out of the pool matter more than perfect strokes. If you’re on a waitlist or don’t have access to lessons, you can still start practicing these at home in a kiddie pool or bathtub.
8. Build tolerance for safety gear
If your child struggles with life jackets or water shoes, start small. Let them wear the gear for short amounts of time away from the water while doing something they enjoy. Use reinforcement, build up slowly, and always end on a positive note. Pair it with comfort, not pressure.
9. Lock up water sources at home
If you have a backyard pool, install alarms and fencing on all four sides. Kiddie pools should be emptied after each use. Even a few inches of water in a bucket or bird bath can be dangerous.
10. Have a water emergency plan
Talk with your family about what to do if your child goes missing. Make it a rule to check water areas first, including pools, ponds, and bathtubs. Learn CPR and keep emergency numbers saved in your phone. Quick action can make all the difference..
We know it’s a lot to think about. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone. Start with one change. Keep it visual. Keep it consistent. Keep it positive.
At Let’s Play N Grow, we’re always happy to talk with families about how to build water safety into your child’s treatment goals or daily routines. We’re in this with you, and we want every family to have a safe, joy-filled summer.
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