As temperatures rise, many families make their way to pools, lakes, or beaches to cool down and enjoy some fun in the sun. Water activities offer kids a great opportunity to exercise, unwind, and connect with others. However, for children with special health care needs, taking a few extra safety measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Here are some essential water safety tips for kids with medical conditions or developmental differences—because every child deserves a safe and happy splash this summer!
Begin with universal water safety
No matter if your child has special health care needs or not, these water safety tips are important for everyone:
- Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around open water—even for confident swimmers. These jackets are rigorously tested to meet strict safety and performance standards.
- Ensure constant, close adult supervision—stay distraction-free!
- The designated adult “water watcher” should keep their phone put away to stay fully focused on the children in the water.
- Encourage swim lessons as soon as your child is ready—adapted programs are available to meet individual needs!
Children with g-tubes (feeding tubes):
Kids with a gastrostomy tube (g-tube) can still enjoy the pool—just keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wait at least 4 months after the tube is placed before swimming, and always check with your child’s doctor beforehand.
- Choose clean, chlorinated pools over lakes, rivers, or oceans, which carry a higher risk of infection due to bacteria.
- Use a waterproof dressing (like Tegaderm) to cover the stoma site during water play.
- After swimming, gently clean and dry the site, then follow your regular tube care routine.
Children with epilepsy:
Water safety is especially critical for children with a seizure disorder. Here are a few key tips to help keep them safe:
- Always assign a dedicated “water watcher” whose sole focus is supervising swimmers—no phones or distractions.
- Practice “touch supervision” by staying within arm’s reach of your child at all times.
- Choose swimming areas with lifeguards or someone trained to respond to seizures in the water.
Children with a tracheostomy:
A tracheostomy (or “trach”) helps your child breathe, but it also provides a direct route for water to enter the lungs. Because of this:
- Never submerge a child with a trach in any body of water.
- Get creative with safe water fun—splash pads, water tables, misting fans, and squirt toys are great alternatives.
- Always provide close supervision, even during shallow or sensory water play.
Children with autism spectrum disorder:
Children on the autism spectrum are often drawn to water but may not fully recognize the risks. Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Ensure pools are enclosed on all four sides with a self-latching gate that separates the pool from the house and yard.
- Keep pool doors and gates locked, and use alarms if possible.
- Provide constant supervision—even if your child knows how to swim.
- Look for swim lessons designed for children with autism to help them build water safety skills and awareness.
- Use visual schedules or social stories to help your child prepare for water play and understand pool rules.
Children with cerebral palsy:
Water can be especially beneficial for children with cerebral palsy:
- Floating in water can ease muscle tightness and help reduce discomfort.
- Use adaptive flotation devices to support both safety and comfort.
- Explore options like adaptive swim therapy, which blends physical therapy with fun in the water!
Remember
Taking just a few extra steps to plan for your child’s unique needs can turn a day at the pool into a safe and joyful experience for the whole family.
Water safety is for everyone—especially our most vulnerable kids. Talk to your pediatrician about the best water play options for your child, and dive into summer with confidence!
Stay safe and be well.
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