Drowning is a devastating and preventable cause of death among children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
This week’s Autism Weekly podcast features Stacey Hoaglund, a nationally recognized advocate, consultant, and president of the Autism Society of Florida. With over 25 years of experience in advocacy and legislative efforts, Stacey joined the conversation to raise awareness about this critical issue and share practical drowning prevention strategies that families, caregivers, and communities can adopt.
The Alarming Connection Between Autism and Drowning
Drowning remains the leading cause of death among children with autism after accidents, a fact that underscores the urgent need for awareness and prevention. Stacey revealed an unsettling statistic: in Florida, 60% of children aged 4-18 who drown are on the autism spectrum.
"Children with autism are naturally drawn to water," Stacey shared during the podcast. "The sensory experience of water—the way it feels, looks, and sounds—is uniquely captivating. However, without awareness of the risks, that attraction can lead to devastating outcomes."
One particularly striking point Stacey made was the underreporting of autism-related drownings. Many young children who drown may not yet have an official autism diagnosis, making it even more critical for families to take proactive safety measures.
Stacey explained that several factors contribute to the heightened risk of drowning for children with autism:
The combination of these factors creates an elevated risk that demands immediate attention from caregivers and communities.
To mitigate the risk of drowning, Stacey emphasized the importance of implementing multiple "layers of protection." These are proactive measures designed to prevent accidents and ensure safety in various environments.
Installing door alarms can alert caregivers the moment a door is opened, providing precious seconds to respond. Stacey recommends choosing alarms that continue to sound even if the door is shut again, ensuring that caregivers are fully aware of any attempted exit.
Pools should be surrounded by fencing with self-latching gates. This simple measure can significantly reduce the likelihood of a child gaining unsupervised access to water.
Early swim lessons are vital. Stacey stressed the importance of finding instructors trained to work with autistic children, as their unique needs may require specialized teaching methods. "Swimming lessons are not just a skill—they are a life-saving measure," she explained.
Technology offers valuable tools for preventing accidents. Devices like AngelSense or Apple AirTags allow caregivers to monitor a child’s location and receive alerts if they wander outside a designated area.
During gatherings or parties, assign an adult to serve as a “water watcher.” This individual wears a lanyard or badge and focuses solely on supervising children in or near the water, rotating the responsibility every 15 minutes. This ensures that no child is left unattended.
Stacey shared a powerful story from Florida, where a child with autism was rescued from a swamp by a police officer. The officer credited the family's door alarm for saving the child’s life, demonstrating how essential these tools can be.
Another poignant example involved a mother who realized, after her child’s tragic drowning, that he may have been undiagnosed with autism. These stories underscore the critical need for education, preparation, and preventive measures.
While much of the focus is on securing the home environment, Stacey highlighted the importance of community-wide efforts to prevent drowning. The Autism Society of Florida works closely with local fire departments to provide free CPR and first-aid training for families.
“These classes teach life-saving skills and help caregivers feel more prepared to handle emergencies,” Stacey explained. “Even a basic understanding of CPR can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.”
Legislative Advocacy for Drowning Prevention
Stacey’s advocacy extends to the legislative level, where she and her team work tirelessly to address drowning as a public health crisis. In recent years, Florida has secured funding for drowning prevention programs, but Stacey emphasizes that much more needs to be done.
"We need a national approach to drowning prevention," she said. "Other countries, like Australia and the UK, have implemented comprehensive water safety plans that have drastically reduced drowning rates. It’s time for the U.S. to follow suit."
The Autism Society of Florida is also collaborating with organizations that oversee vacation rentals, such as Airbnbs, to provide safety information and install door alarms in properties. This is especially important in tourist-heavy areas like Florida, where many families may not be accustomed to living near water.
Stacey provided several actionable tips for families to prioritize water safety:
Drowning prevention is not just the responsibility of individual families—it requires community-wide efforts. Pediatricians, schools, and local organizations all play a role in spreading awareness and providing resources.
Stacey called on healthcare providers to incorporate water safety education into their interactions with families, particularly during well-child visits. “It’s a simple conversation that could save a life,” she said.
If you’re inspired by Stacey’s work and want to contribute to drowning prevention efforts, there are many ways to get involved:
At ABS Kids, we are committed to empowering families with the resources they need to thrive.
This episode of Autism Weekly reminds us that drowning prevention is a shared responsibility. By implementing layers of protection, advocating for legislative change, and raising awareness, we can save lives and create safer communities for everyone.
To hear more about Stacey’s inspiring advocacy and practical drowning prevention tips, listen to this week’s Autism Weekly podcast. Together, we can work toward a future where every family feels supported and empowered to keep their children safe.