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Drowning Prevention/ Water Safety

Florida Department of Health in Orange County

Water Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Florida is 2nd in the nation for drowning deaths of children ages 1-4 years of age from 2018-2021 and ranks 5th in the U.S. for unintentional drowning deaths1.

Individuals with autism often tend to wander away, which poses significant risks near bodies of water. Research shows that a notable portion of drowning incidents involving people with autism result from wandering or elopement2. In fact, a person with autism is substantially more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers3.

Swim Lessons

Many insurance companies cover the cost of swim lessons, and swim vouchers may be available. Contact your insurance provider to ask about coverage for swim lessons.

WaterSmartFL—Water Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

The "Water Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility" initiative aims to educate parents, caregivers, and communities about drowning risks and how to stay safe around water. The campaign outlines layers of protection to improve water safety and reduce drownings:

  • Supervision: Always have a designated water watcher.
  • Barriers: Install barriers around bodies of water.
  • Preparedness: Learn CPR and water survival skills.

For more information, visit watersmartfl.com. Explore WaterSmartFL to learn the steps you can take to be water-safe and protect Florida's children, residents, and visitors. The website also offers downloadable materials and information about state partners.

Resources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Injury Center. WISQARS. Retrieved January 9,2024
  2. Anderson, C., Lawton, K., Cohen, C., & Arnold, S. (2020). Characteristics of Wandering/Elopement Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Developmental Delays. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(11), 3931–3942.
  3. Autism Society of Florida (2022) Staying Safe: Near Water. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.autismfl.org/_files/ugd/cb0bfb_ad0f1ba46c3640c2a5aafc9ee6d47a3a.pdf