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Pool safety for kids with autism
Now that school districts are going into summer break, an Austin mother is advocating for swimming pools to take extra safety measures, specifically for kids with autism.
AUSTIN, Texas - Summer break has officially started for many students, and that means the swimming pools are going to be busy.
Eileen Lamb, a mother of two children with autism, is reminding everyone of the importance of pool safety.
"Unfortunately, drowning is the number one cause of accidental deaths in autistic children. So it's very important to supervise your child at the pool," says Eileen Lamb, director of social media for Autism Speaks.
To avoid being part of a statistic, Lamb is advocating for pools to be inclusive for people with autism.
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Water safety urged after teen drowns
A 15-year-old boy drowned in the water behind the Twin Lakes YMCA on Saturday. First responders said the teen was having trouble staying above water after jumping from a cliff with friends.
"My son, who is 11, and his level three autism, also known as severe autism, took swimming lessons. Because, like I said, it's so important that he learns to swim. But it's been difficult because a lot of people are not prepared to handle some of these challenging behaviors," says Lamb.
Lamb is hoping by sharing Charlie's story, it will educate the community that not all autistic children are the same.
"I think it's important for children to also know that some children show their happiness in different ways and to not be afraid of them and, to respect those, different forms of expression," says Lamb.
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Importance of water safety
With summer on the way, the Travis County Sheriff's Office and local boat rental companies are talking about water safety.
MORE STORIES:
- Sheriff's office stresses importance of water safety this summer
- Parents urged to teach kids about water safety after teen drowns in Cedar Park
According to the Autism Speaks foundation, it is important to start teaching children with autism the importance of water safety at an early age.
"If you're able to, put them into swimming lessons early. Find a place that is actually inclusive and, try social stories and pictures to teach your child how to swim as early as possible," says Lamb.
And never swim alone.
"It's always good for children who are able to keep an eye on their friends and kids around them. If a child looks in an unsafe position, get help from a grown up," says Lamb.
For more information on water safety by Autism Speaks, click here.