In early April, an indoor swim school in Florida called Small Fish Big Fish offered a unique class for children with autism. The swimming pool was filled with colorful designs, and instructors guided each child carefully. This activity was not only for enjoyment. It was made to address an important concern. Since 2021, more than 100 children with autism or undergoing evaluation have drowned in Florida, according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. Autism is a developmental condition that affects communication and behavior, and it increases the propensity of children to wander and ignore dangerous situations. Because of this, teaching water safety becomes imperative for families and schools.

To help mitigate these dangers, the council provided funding for special swimming classes and instructor training. The goal was to create a safe space where children could learn through repetition, visual tools, and patient support. Some children were initially afraid to enter the pool but later showed clear progress. Experts like Dr. Guohua Li from Columbia University have said that swimming lessons should be seen as a key intervention for children with autism. Even those who are profoundly affected can often learn survival skills with just a few hours of support. The Autism Society and international organizations such as Autism Swim have also started programs to train more teachers worldwide. For many families, this is not just about learning a skill—it can truly help save lives.