‘Drowning is silent & quick’: Water safety for children with disabilities

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - While all parents need to think about water safety, some should take extra precautions this summer while at the pool.

According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than other kids.

One expert says it’s up to families and bystanders to ensure that children with disabilities stay safe in all environments.

“Being present and attuned is going to be the number one way you can keep your kid or someone else’s kid or friend safe,” said Danica Leonard, occupational therapist who specializes in aquatic therapy.

She says one of the biggest distracting factors at the pool is our phones.

“We need to be cautious and put our phones aside and always have our eyes on them,” said Leonard.

She teaches vital skills for swimmers in the water.

“We might be teaching them how they can jump in the water and then get on their back,” said Leonard.

READ MORE: Planned Parenthood responds to Missouri Supreme Court ruling in ongoing abortion access legal battle

Meg Anderson has a daughter with autism. She says larger gatherings don’t always mean that it’s safer in the water.

“Sometimes we take comfort in having a lot of people around, but drowning is silent, and it happens quick, and it can happen in less than two inches of water,” said Anderson.

She wants to see more resources for families with children with special needs.

“I think in the community, there is so much room to bring safety and water awareness to families with kids with autism,” said Anderson.

There are measures you can take to make sure everyone has fun in the sun. That includes making sure children who can’t swim wear a life vest. Children in the pool should have someone watch with them in the pool at all times.

One helpful resource for families is the KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics program. It is one of the few swimming programs in the country that focuses on children with autism.

ALSO READ: ‘Tossed’ immigration cases leading to in-court ICE arrests, attorneys say

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.