The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics Curriculum is an innovative, evidence-based program developed by the Els for Autism team to help individuals with autism and related needs learn to swim in a supportive, structured, and inclusive environment. This curriculum is built on visual supports, routine-based instruction, and a progression-based model that prioritizes safety, confidence, and skill building at every level. 

Whether a participant is entering the water for the first time or refining stroke technique and endurance, our aquatics program provides adaptable lesson plans for every stage. The program is designed for implementation by certified aquatics professionals, therapists, and adaptive swim instructors in community pools, private swim schools, and therapeutic settings. 

On The Els Center of Excellence Campus, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program will be implemented with the opening of our Aquatic Center. Learn how you can play a vital role in helping us build our Aquatic Center. 

Program Overview

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program is infused with evidence-based practices for teaching swimming and water safety to people with autism. 

Participants learn foundational aquatics skills while practicing key autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, motor development, and social skills. 

The goal of the program is for participants to achieve their individual aquatics successes and to build confidence and self-esteem in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment. 

Program Structure

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics program consists of progressive group lessons, each guided by a specially designed lesson plan that delivers comprehensive swimming and water safety instruction while incorporating autism-focused learning concepts, specifically referred to in each lesson as the “Autism Learning Concept.”

The program, developed by the Els for Autism Foundation®, includes 6 levels that are structured to build foundational aquatics skills and safety awareness in a supportive environment. Participants must demonstrate independent mastery of each skill before advancing to the next level of instruction, ensuring skill retention and confidence in the water. It is a comprehensive program for individuals with autism that utilizes multiple evidence-based practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (Steinbrenner et al., 2020), while emphasizing water safety, individualized progression, and long-term skill development. 

How to Become an Official Program Provider

Would you like to bring the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics Program to your community? Individuals can become an Official Program Provider (OPP) through a structured training and certification process in this and other sports. For more information and/or to become an Official Program Provider, contact: sports@elsforautism.org. 

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism MARINO Adaptive Aquatics Certification Program represents a significant advancement in the preparation of aquatics professionals to safely and effectively serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Originally established through House Bill 1319 in Florida to address the heightened risk of drowning and limited access to appropriate swim instruction, this program builds on the pioneering work of the Dan Marino Foundation and is now fully overseen by Els for Autism Foundation.

Through a comprehensive content review, the certification has been enhanced to reflect current best practices in aquatic safety, autism support, and inclusive instruction. The program equips instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver evidence-based, individualized aquatics instruction that promotes safety, skill development, and meaningful participation.

The newly revised certification is now available as an interactive, self-paced online course, providing aquatics professionals with flexible access to high-quality training through a modern learning management system (LMS). The course integrates research-based content on:

• Developmental disabilities
• Behavior support
• Communication strategies
• Water safety

This ensures instructors are well-prepared to meet diverse learner needs while satisfying Florida’s certification requirements.

Participants will gain practical tools to:

• Support motor development
• Reduce anxiety
• Foster social and communication skills through structured aquatic activities

Upon completion, instructors have the opportunity to further engage with the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Aquatics Official Program Provider Training, helping expand access to safe, inclusive, and impactful aquatics programming for individuals and families in communities across Florida and beyond.

Notice: On completion of the certification, you must take the recertification course within two years in order for your certification to remain valid. Failure to do so will invalidate your certification and you will need to start again. Ensure you take note of the date two years from your certification date.