Water safety looks different for the autism community. We've partnered with the Autism Society to bring families the resources, tools, and support they need — in and around the home, at pools, and while traveling.
A Safe Pool x Autism Society of America
Autism Resources
Water safety looks different for the autism community. We've partnered with the Autism Society to bring families the resources, tools, and support they need- in and around the home, at pools, and while traveling.
The numbers every family should know
Understanding the risk
Water safety carries a different weight in the autism community. These numbers are why.
None of this is inevitable. Wandering-related drowning is preventable — with the right layers of protection, in place before they're needed.
Be ready before you need to be
Build a safety plan
Half of parents say they got no guidance on preventing or responding to wandering. These official Autism Society resources are a place to start — before an emergency, not during one.
In and around the home
Securing your home
74% of elopement happens from home. These layers go beyond a standard pool fence to address wandering specifically.
Not sure where your own layers stand? Run our pool safety checklist.
New places, same risks
Away from home
A new environment means a new water risk to check, every time. Tap a setting below.
Building a real skill
Finding the right swim instruction
Swim lessons are one of the strongest protective layers available — but the right program matters as much as the decision to enroll.
What to look for
- Instructors trained specifically in adaptive aquatics, not just general swim teaching
- 1:1 lessons or very small class sizes
- Sensory-friendly scheduling — quieter pool times, warmer water, dimmer lighting if needed
- Lessons that practice swimming in clothes and shoes, not just a swimsuit — real wandering incidents don't happen in swim gear
- A program willing to answer your questions about their experience with autistic learners before you commit
AuQUA Life
The Autism Society's own adaptive aquatics program connects families to swim instruction designed specifically for autistic learners, and trains instructors to teach it well.
Explore AuQUA LifeFor families & caregivers
Printable resources
More official resources to keep on hand, share with caregivers, or bring to school and IEP meetings.
You're not doing this alone
Support directory
Organizations working every day on water safety and wandering prevention for the autism community.
The Autism Society's adaptive aquatics program connecting families to swim instruction built for autistic learners.
Explore AuQUA Life →A national campaign delivering life-saving resources and training to reduce wandering-related drowning.
Learn about It Takes Two →The National Drowning Prevention Alliance works to educate, advocate, and equip communities to prevent drowning.
Visit ndpa.org →Founded by Michael Phelps, MPF promotes water safety and swim confidence for kids worldwide. A Safe Pool is a proud partner.
See our partnership →This page will keep growing as we build it out with the Autism Society. In the meantime, the rest of our pool safety resources are here too.
A Safe Pool + Autism Society AuQUA Life: Working Together to Save Lives
Water safety looks different for the autism community. We've partnered with the Autism Society to bring families the resources, tools, and support they need — in and around the home, at pools, and while traveling.
A Safe Pool + Autism Society AuQUA Life: Working Together to Save Lives
Water safety looks different for the autism community. We've partnered with the Autism Society to bring families the resources, tools, and support they need — in and around the home, at pools, and while traveling.
Visual supports
Social stories
Simple, visual narratives that help kids understand what to expect and how to stay safe around water — available in English and Spanish.
Tap any card to download the PDF · from the Autism Society's Safety on the Spectrum™ program