Water Safety Tips for Children with Special Needs When Swimming

The Importance of Water Safety for Special Needs Children

As a parent of a child with special needs, keeping your child safe in and around water is incredibly important. Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury and death among children, and this risk is increased for children with disabilities or developmental delays. Using proper swimming aids and being vigilant when your child is in the water can help reduce this risk.

Benefits of Swimming for Special Needs Kids

Swimming is a great activity for children with special needs. The buoyancy and resistance of the water can help build strength, coordination, and motor skills. Being in the water also provides sensory input that many children find calming and enjoyable. Additionally, learning to swim is an important life skill that can prevent drowning and give special needs children confidence in the water.

Challenges of Swimming for Special Needs Kids

While swimming provides many benefits, it also poses unique challenges for children with special needs. Some common difficulties include:

• Poor motor coordination and balance make swimming strokes more difficult
• Sensory processing issues may make children over or under responsive to the water
• Cognitive or developmental delays can impact water safety awareness
• Medical conditions like seizures may increase drowning risk

Because of these factors, close supervision and use of flotation aids tailored to your child's needs are essential when special needs kids are in the water.

Choosing the Right Flotation Devices

Using the appropriate flotation devices can greatly improve water safety for children with special needs. Here are some tips for selecting the right swimming aids for your child:

Avoid Inflatable Floats

Inflatable pool floats like inner tubes or rafts should be avoided. Children can easily slip out of these devices and they give a false sense of safety. Inflatable armbands or rings are also not recommended as they can suddenly deflate or shift out of place.

Choose Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets

When selecting a life jacket, look for ones approved by the Coast Guard. These jackets are evaluated for safety and flotation performance. Make sure the jacket fits properly and keep checking throughout swimming to ensure it stays secure. Life jackets tailored for special needs are available, including options with head support or sensory calming fabric.

Use Swim Vests or Puddle Jumpers Selectively

Swim vests or puddle jumpers can be useful teaching aids, but they should only be used under close supervision. Unlike life jackets, they are not for safety use. Position them so the chest floats help keep your child upright, and frequently recheck the fit. Remove immediately if your child starts slipping downward or can easily wriggle out of them.

Harness Systems Allow More Movement

Harness flotation systems allow mobility while keeping your child secure in the water. Harnesses wrap around the chest and attach to a floating tether, allowing children to move freely while remaining buoyant. They work best for kids over 30 pounds who have head and neck control. Ensure proper sizing and watch your child closely since harnesses don't prevent rolling onto the back.

Water Safety Tips

In addition to using suitable flotation devices, there are other important water safety practices to follow with special needs kids:

Start Young

Enroll your child in swimming lessons tailored for special needs starting at a young age. Early exposure and instruction increase comfort in the water and reduce drowning risks.

Increase Supervision

Children with special needs require constant, arm's reach supervision whenever they are in or near water. Assign a designated adult "water watcher" who will watch them at all times. Do not assume safety devices replace the need for supervision.

Learn CPR

Take an infant and child CPR class so you know what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure babysitters, relatives, and others caring for your child also know CPR.

Start in Shallow Water

When first introducing swimming, begin in shallow, calm water where your child can stand securely. Slowly work up to deeper water as they demonstrate comfort and ability.

Be Alert Around Pools

Take extra precautions around swimming pools. Install proper barriers and security systems. Empty small plastic pools immediately after use. Prevent unsupervised access.

Don't Rely on Devices

While flotation devices are important tools, they should not replace parental supervision. Be prepared to enter the water in case your child slips out of a device. No solution is foolproof.

Choosing the Safest Swim Environment

The location where your special needs child swims is just as important as the gear you use. Here are tips for the safest swimming environment:

Swimming Lessons

Enroll in adaptive swimming lessons at facilities experienced with special needs kids. The instructors will know how to tailor teaching to your child's abilities in a safe manner.

Sensory-Friendly Sessions

Many pools now offer special sensory-friendly times when noise and activity are reduced. These quieter sessions benefit children who are sensitive to sensory overload.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor pools in limited-access facilities are safest by reducing risk of wandering. Outdoor pools require extra barriers and constant watch of water entry points.

Community Pools

When using public pools, visit during off-peak times and scope out quieter areas. Watch for congested areas that increase risk of slipping away unnoticed.

Natural Bodies of Water

Use extreme caution when swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans. Their unknown depths, currents and lack of barriers pose high drowning risks. Always wear a life jacket in these settings.

Being Prepared in Case of Emergency

While supervision and flotation devices reduce risk, it's also essential to be prepared in case an emergency does occur:

Take CPR Classes

Having CPR knowledge and skills is vital for resuscitating a child who has stopped breathing due to drowning. Keep skills updated with routine re-certification classes.

Have a Phone Nearby

Keep a charged phone very close whenever kids are in water so you can immediately call 911 if needed. Make sure phone is in a dry case.

Inform Lifeguards

When at a public pool, tell lifeguards about your child's special needs. This allows them to help watch your child and be ready to respond appropriately in an emergency.

Teach Kids to Flip Over

Teach children who slip under water to immediately roll onto their backs and float. This allows them to breathe while waiting to be rescued.

Post Rescue Numbers

Have emergency numbers posted visibly by home pools. This helps babysitters or others respond quickly in a crisis.

Special Considerations by Diagnosis

Certain conditions may require additional swimming precautions. Here are tips tailored to some common special needs:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Use swim shirts or rash guards to prevent sensory issues
• Start with individual lessons to limit distractions
• Work on safety skills like floating and reaching the edge
• Use visual aids, structure, and repetition during instruction

Cerebral Palsy

• Assess swimming skills individually since abilities vary
• Address postural control and head position in water
• Use supportive flotation devices
• Work on water entry and exit skills

Down Syndrome

• Reinforce safety rules due to impulsive behaviors
• Use chest rather than waist flotation devices
• Perfect submersion and retrieval skills
• Monitor for signs of hyperflexibility causing issues

Seizure Disorders

• Closely supervise at all times due to risk of drowning
• Ensure life jacket fits snugly and cannot slide off
• Only swim with an experienced observer present
• Medically

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.