121 children with autism have drowned in Florida since 2012, new study shows

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Children with autism are often drawn to water, and it can lead to tragedy.

According to a new study , 121 children with autism have drowned in Florida since 2012.

Watermelon Swim, which offers year-round indoor swim lessons, is working to reduce these numbers by offering several swim programs, including ones for children with disabilities.

The instructors said they want to reduce the risk and increase the confidence in children swimming.

While at Watermelon Swim, 9-year-old Micah Johns doesn’t hold back in the pool.

“He’s becoming an amazing swimmer,” Micah’s mother, Lisa Methven-Jones, said.

She watches from behind the window. Methven-Jones said Micah started lessons at Watermelon Swim when he was 3 years old, right after learning he had autism.

“He had no fear when it came to water,” Methven-Jones said. “And before he knew the skills, you know, he would just jump right in. And that was definitely a fear.”

She also said when they were first starting, her son was non-verbal and had behavioral issues.

There have been many headlines about children with autism drowning recently . A study from the Children’s Service Council of Palm Beach County found the number of drownings is rising in Florida.

“It’s gut-wrenching. It hurts every time I hear it,” Methven-Jones said.

Watermelon Swim leaders said these drownings are preventable. They offer tips like learning to exit and enter the pool safely, floating on your back, and swimming, rolling over, flowing, and swimming again.

“We want to make sure that regardless of your ability level, you’re able to access that life-saving skill,” Frankie Beatty, the Regional Vice President at Watermelon Swim, said. “If they don’t have any of those swimming skills, if they’re not able to get themselves out of the water safely, they won’t realize they’re in trouble until it’s too late.”

Beatty said swimming helps enhance cognitive abilities, self-esteem, and emotional reactions to situations and acts as sensory therapy.

Jones’ mother said she could see the difference.

“Now we can actually go to the pool and he can swim by himself. And we don’t have to worry as much,” Methven-Jones said.

Another tip is to have water safety talks with your kids at home, asking questions like, “What do you do if you fall in the water?”

Visit here for more information on Watermelon Swim.

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