Water Safety
71% of deaths related to wandering are caused by drowning. That’s right – 71%. That’s why it is absolutely critical to teach your child to swim, doggy paddle, or float.
Read our PFA Tips on Water Safety:
Swim Lesson Scholarships
We have partnered with the following aquatics centers to provide scholarships for swim lessons. Contact the center directly to inquire about availability.
Coppermine at the Bel Air Athletic Center
Kate Mattheu, Aquatics Manager
410-823-2500
Coppermine Meadowbrook
Hailey Schlogel
410-823-2500 X602
hschlogel@gocoppermine.com
Three Fish Aquatics
Serving the upper Eastern Shore
Sherye Nickerson
443-343-SWIM
swim@threefishaquatics.com
Aquatics at Pediatric Movement Center Hagerstown
Colleen Bal
301.739.5437
cbal@pmchag.com
Additional Resources:
Water Safety Resources from The Maryland Autism Coalition
WMAR TV interview with Shelly McLaughlin following the tragic drowning of a young boy – “After tragic death of 6-year-old with autism, advice on wandering, elopement”
WMAR TV interview with Shelly McLaughlin about PFA’s water safety initiatives – Autism nonprofit promotes swim safety amid tragic summer drownings
WMAR interview with Shelly McLaughlin about PFA’s and the Maryland Autism Coalition’s water safety initiatives – Raising awareness: The deadly risk of drowning for children with autism
Pool Communication Board by the Hussman Institute for Autism
Swim Lesson Social Story by the Hussman Institute for Autism
Lifesaving Water Safety Skills by the Hussman Institute for Autism
Water Safety for Kids with Autism by the the Hussman Institute for Autism
Pool Statements Neurodiversity Affirming by the the Hussman Institute for Autism
Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit by Swim Angelfish
Extra layers of water safety practices and tips for autism, sensory, physical and special education needs