BOCA RATON, Fla. — Children on the autism spectrum face a much higher risk of drowning.
WPTV is connecting parents with a new resource that is aimed at saving lives.
FAU releases water safety guide for children with autism
Florida Atlantic University's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) has released a free manual titled "Autism Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Resources."
It is designed to educate parents and help create a safety plan.
The new FAU CARD water safety manual includes crucial safety guidance such as:
- Creating an emergency plan: Step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers if a child wanders, including when to contact law enforcement
- Home pool safety: Tips on barriers, alarms, drain covers and professionally installed pool fencing
- Active supervision: Designating a responsible, distraction-free "water watcher" during all water activities
- Swimming lessons: Encouraging adaptive swimming instruction; swimming should be the first sport a child with autism learns
- CPR training: How to get trained and why it’s essential to survival during a drowning emergency
- Using the right safety equipment: The importance of United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets over recreational flotation toys
- Removing temptations: Keeping toys and attractive objects out of the pool when not in use
Click here to check out the free manual.
