How to Make Your Backyard Pool Safe for Summer

Summer is here, and that means pool parties, lake adventures, and fun in the sun! But for families with loved ones who are drawn to water and often have unpredictable or unsafe behaviors, this can create a dangerous combination. For families that have children with special needs, water safety takes on an extra layer of importance.

Did you know that having the right rescue equipment on hand, being familiar with, and getting comfortable with the rescue equipment can make all the difference in an emergency?

Why Water Safety Equipment Matters

Having a pool fence, gate closures, and alarms are all crucial for preventing water accidents. But even with these precautions in place, it’s vital to be prepared to respond if someone enters the water unexpectedly. This is where pool safety equipment comes in.

Do you have any rescue equipment for your backyard pool? When you go to a vacation rental with access to a pool or lake, do you know what type of rescue equipment they have? Consider investing in a rescue tube so that you are prepared to prevent pool accidents.

The purpose of these rescue tools might seem self-explanatory and the need to practice with them may not be necessary for many people. However, for individuals with special needs, especially those who are nonverbal, highly attracted to the water or have sensory processing challenges, these tools can be unfamiliar and even frightening.

Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarity with Rescue Tools

Imagine an emergency situation where you need to act quickly. In the moment of panic, an unfamiliar object like a rescue tube can be overwhelming for special needs swimmers that have never seen a rescue tube.

That’s why it’s so important to introduce and practice using pool safety equipment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, Autism, or a strong attraction to water. Rehearsing these steps well in advance of an emergency will increase the likelihood of a safe intervention.

Here are some tips for familiarizing your neurodivergent family member with rescue equipment:

  • Start Slow
    Try to touch and explore the equipment at their own pace. Use positive reinforcement and simple language, i.e.: “touch it” “hold it.”
  • Role-Playing
    Practice using the equipment. If you are at a pool ask the staff if you can use the rescue tube outside of the pool. You might squeeze it and say “hold for the count of 5.” This will encourage a routine of what it is like to hold on to it.
  • Make it a Routine
    Incorporate pool safety equipment into pool games, swim lessons, or water activities. This can help create positive associations and make them more comfortable with the tools.

Keeping Everyone Safe in Your Backyard Pool

Sadly, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) 23% of child drownings happen during a family pool gathering, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present and drowning happens quickly and silently, even in a small amount of water.

Backyard pool safety is critical because, unlike public pools, there are no lifeguards on duty and most likely no readily available rescue equipment.

This means the responsibility for keeping everyone safe falls on the shoulders of pool owners and supervisors.

Constant vigilance and preventative measures (like adaptive swim lessons, correctly fitting kids lifejackets and safe swimming practices) are essential to prevent accidents.

Get Ready with our Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit

At Swim Angelfish, we understand the unique needs of the special needs community. Some individuals, especially those with Autism, are drawn to the water. That’s why we’ve developed the Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit.

This helpful resource offers specialized practices to prevent accidents and promote inclusion. With a focus on practical strategies and empowerment, our toolkit ensures that all children can enjoy the water safely.

Through a variety of teaching materials, we promote these extra layers of protection:

  • Ritual & Routine
  • Monitor & Intervene
  • Rescue Equipment
  • Adaptive Swim Skills

For more water safety resources, check out our free mini courses for Parents and Lifeguards.

Swim Angelfish Water Safety Toolkit

Meet our Ambassador for Backyard Pool Safety

Jack Fortin is an inspiring example of how adaptive swimming lessons can empower individuals with special needs. Diagnosed with Autism, Jack learned to swim with an instructor trained in the adaptive swim whisperers’ methodology created by Swim Angelfish. Today, at 14, he’s a champion swimmer, having won three medals at the Special Olympics!

Jack’s family established the JT Fortin Foundation in his honor to provide financial assistance to autism families in need. This incredible organization raises funds to provide swim scholarships through the Swim Whisperers® program.

Thanks to their efforts, over 100 children with an ASD diagnosis have received the gift of water safety and swimming skills!

Jack is helping us to raise awareness about the importance of Backyard Pool Safety. He is our ambassador to encourage all pool owners to invest in a rescue tube for their backyard pool, especially if they have swimmers with Autism, ADHD and any special needs using the pool.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe, and Make a Splash!

This summer, make water safety a priority for everyone in your family. Familiarize yourself and your loved ones with pool safety equipment, consider purchasing a rescue tube, use our free adaptive water safety resources and support organizations like the JT Fortin Foundation that provide crucial adaptive swim lessons.

By working together, we can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer season!

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! “Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.”