As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings more opportunities for outdoor play, travel, and time near water. For many families, it’s a season of joy. But for families of children with autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, it can also bring added safety concerns.

Wandering, water attraction, and changes in routine can increase risk during the summer months. At MAC Midwest, we believe safety is not just a checklist. It is something we build together through preparation, awareness, and the right support.

Understanding the Risk

Research shows that nearly 50% of children with autism engage in wandering or elopement behavior. 

For many children, water is especially appealing due to its calming and sensory-rich qualities. That combination can create serious safety risks, particularly during the summer when access to lakes, pools, and water parks increases.

That’s why water safety and wandering prevention are critical areas of focus for families and caregivers. With the right tools and planning, risk can be reduced and confidence can grow.

Water Safety: What Families Should Know

If your child is drawn to water, you are not alone. Many children are naturally curious about water, and that curiosity can be a strength when paired with the right safety supports.

Here are a few essential practices to help keep your child safe:

• Enroll in adaptive swim lessons early
• Secure home pools and nearby water sources with fences, covers, and alarms
• Teach water boundaries using visuals or social stories
• Practice swimming fully clothed to prepare for real-life situations
• Use ID tags or wearable tracking tools in case a child wanders
• Build consistent routines around water play and supervision

Incorporating water safety into daily routines, therapy goals, and family conversations can make a meaningful difference.

Free Tools for Families: The Big Red Safety Box

One of the most accessible safety resources available is the Big Red Safety Box from the National Autism Association.

This free kit includes:

• Door alarms
• STOP sign window clings
• Emergency planning tools
• Personalized ID tags
• Visual supports and caregiver guidance

These simple tools can help families take proactive steps toward safety at home and in the community.

Minnesota Swim Programs and Water Safety Resources

Learning to swim is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk while building confidence and independence. While many programs are located in the Twin Cities metro, families across Minnesota can find adaptive and inclusive options.

Twin Cities Metro Area

• Swim Possible
  Provides calming, safe, and engaging swim lessons for individuals of all ages, including those with sensory or motor differences.
• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
  Offers adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy focused on technique, endurance, and water safety.
• Battle Creek Waterworks (Maplewood)
  Hosts an Autism-Friendly Hour on Sundays from 9:30–10:30 a.m. in partnership with the Autism Society of Minnesota, allowing families to enjoy the space at a more comfortable pace.
  Note: The facility is under construction through Spring 2026.
• Phillips Aquatics Center (Minneapolis)
  Offers free adaptive swim lessons for youth and adults, including structured instruction and supervised free swim time.
• V3 Sports Inclusive Swim Safety Event (May 4, 2026)
  Free, one-on-one water safety lessons in a sensory-friendly environment. Each child receives individualized instruction focused on comfort and confidence in the water.
• Foss Swim School
  Provides structured, supportive swim instruction designed for children with diverse learning needs.
• Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park Recreation Programs
  Offer inclusive aquatics and adaptive recreation opportunities for families.

Southern Minnesota 

• Rochester Area Family YMCA
  Inclusive swim lessons and adaptive programming for youth and families.
• Mankato Family YMCA
  Offers beginner swim lessons and inclusive aquatic opportunities.
• Local community education programs
  Many school districts offer seasonal swim lessons with accommodations for children who need additional support.

Northern Minnesota

• YMCA of the North
  Multiple locations offering inclusive and adaptive-friendly swim lessons.
• Sanford Health – Bemidji
  Offers adaptive aquatics to help your child overcome a fear of the water, increase strength and balance or improve dexterity and fine motor skills.  
• Regional wellness centers and community pools
  Often provide small-group or individualized swim instruction upon request.

Why Swim Skills Matter

Learning to swim is not just a safety skill. It is a life skill. For children with autism, swim lessons can:

• Increase independence
• Build confidence in new environments
• Improve coordination and body awareness
• Create positive, structured experiences around water

With the right support, water can become a place of growth rather than risk.

Let’s Keep Safety a Shared Priority

We know that safety planning can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to navigate it alone.

At MAC Midwest, we are committed to meeting your child right where they are through progressive and compassionate care. That includes helping families build practical safety strategies that work in everyday life.

If you are thinking about next steps, whether that is safety planning, therapy, or building new skills, our team is here to help guide you forward.

Together, we can reduce risk, increase preparedness, and create safer communities for every individual and family we serve.

Need Support?

If you have questions about wandering prevention, water safety, or local resources, we are here to help. Reach out to our team to learn more about services and support available to your family.