Expert gives tips on how to keep Autistic children safe near water

DELMARVA. – With so much water in our region, officials are sounding the alarm on water safety.

Clay Belgie with the Lower Shore Autism Community, said those with autism are especially vulnerable to water-related tragedies.

“As adults, we really need to be prepared for everything. Not just water safety, but anything else that they could possibly find themselves getting into,” Belgie said.

According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers, and science suggests that the multisensory experience that water can offer is why it can be so magnetic to autistic children. The Eastern Shore has experienced some close calls within that statistic.

“There was a young boy who left his home very, very early in the morning, before the sun came up. The police thankfully found him at the edge of a retention pond,” Belgie said.

Which is why Belgie said education is crucial in saving lives.

The expert recommends swimming lessons for youth and adults, and to always stay vigilant when an autistic loved one is near water. But in the case of an emergency, calling EMS should always be your go to.

“If you do find yourself in a scary situation, the first thing you have to do is call 911. You’ve got to call 911 and then take action– begin your rescue, begin your search,” Belgie said.