It is a tragic and heartbreaking statistic that drowning is the leading cause of death in autistic children, with Florida being the state with the highest number of these deaths. From 2012 to August 2024, 130 children with autism drowned in Florida alone*. Many autistic children are naturally attracted to water, and they may leave a safe environment without realizing the potential dangers that water can present. Sadly, children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical counterparts.
This devastating reality is one of many reasons the Els for Autism team is proactively spreading awareness of water safety by creating the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Aquatics program. This multi-level curriculum is an innovative, evidence-based program developed to teach individuals with autism and related needs how to swim in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This program is designed by certified aquatics professionals, licensed therapists, and adaptive swim instructors within community pool facilities, private swim academies, and clinical or therapeutic settings.
To aid us in our endeavor, we are actively fundraising for our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex, which will include an Aquatic Center, a multipurpose amenity that will include a regulation size swimming pool which will facilitate swimming and water safety lessons.
Additionally, for individuals who cannot swim or prefer not to, the Aquatic Center will also house a Splash Pad which is generously named by Thomas R. and Deborah K Whitesell and will allow children to enjoy inclusive, social fun while being in a safe and protective environment. As early intervention is crucial, this will allow young individuals to build a positive association with water and is a step towards building trust and awareness for the individual.
Autism Parenting Magazine wrote an article highlighting four benefits of swimming for autistic individuals: calming the mind, reducing sensory deprivation, following instructions, and developing motor skills.
Once the Aquatic Center is completed, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program will be available globally, allowing individuals, organizations, or businesses to become Official Program Providers and offer this lifesaving program in their community. If you are interested in becoming an Official Program Provider, please join our interest list here.
We believe providing water safety education is a pivotal key to individuals with autism, but we cannot do it alone. You can be a part of the mission to save autistic lives by donating to our cause. Big or small – your contribution will help us create a future where families do not have to suffer the tragedy of an accidental drowning.
Donate Now to help save lives!
*Based on data published by the Children’s Services Council
