Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Navigating Neva, we’re talking about autism, water safety, and sensory needs. Water safety education often focuses on rules: don’t go near the water, wait for an adult, stay away from the pool. But for some autistic children, water is more than a place to swim. It can be calming, regulating, exciting, or deeply sensory. This conversation explores why water may be so appealing, what traditional safety messages often miss, and how families, swim instructors, and aquatic professionals can build safer, more effective approaches. We cover: Why water can provide powerful sensory input through pressure, sound, temperature, and movement Why “don’t go near the water” is not enough How elopement, sensory seeking, stress, excitement, and communication differences affect safety Sensory strategies that support learning, including visual supports, predictable routines, first/then language, gradual entry, and clear exit routines Why autistic swimmers may need repetitive, body-based learning instead of rule-only instruction Practical takeaways for parents, caregivers, swim instructors, and aquatic teams This episode is not about fear. It is about understanding. When we understand why a child is drawn to water, we can create better safety plans, better lessons, and better support systems. Mini courses for parents- https://swimangelfish.com/shop/adaptive-swim-tips-for-parents-free-mini-course/ Lifeguards- https://swimangelfish.com/shop/adaptive-techniques-for-lifeguards-free-mini-course/ Coaches- https://swimangelfish.com/shop/diversity-and-inclusion-tips-for-swim-coaches-free-mini-course/ Discounted pricing to anyone that mentions they heard about it from your webinar- email cert@swimangelfish.com Support the show 🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield. 💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook. ❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com. 📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield. 📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content! 🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!
