Water Safety

Where there is water, there is a risk. Drowning can occur in lakes, oceans, swimming pools, ponds, beaches, whirlpools, bathtubs, and showers.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE IDD POPULATION

Individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities (IDD) may easily slip or fall in the shower or bath or may lack strong swimming skills. A near drowning can cause serious impairments and/or brain damage. Caregivers should be aware of these contributing factors:

Inadequate supervision
Seizure disorders
Medical emergencies while in the water, like heart attack or stroke
Use of prescription medications, alcohol, or drugs
Water conditions, like temperature, clarity, and hidden objects

Drowning can happen in seconds and supervision can save lives!

BATHING:

Assess each person’s needs for bathing supervision and assistance.
Be aware of each person’s healthcare needs which could impact upon their need for supervision when bathing.
Levels of supervision and/or safeguards as identified in the Life Plan.
Individuals should never be left alone in the tub or shower if they require supervision when bathing.
Staff should ensure that all bathing supplies are available in the bathroom before assisting an individual with bathing.
Staff must be able to correctly operate all special tubs and bathing equipment.
For people with seizure disorders, showering is safer than bathing.

BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN SWIMMING OR WATER SPORT ACTIVITY:

Agencies should develop and utilize their best practices, and/or available resources to assess each person’s swimming abilities and the level of supervision needed.
Know each person’s healthcare needs, behaviors, and other conditions which may impact upon their safety in the water.
As indicated by the individual’s Life Plan, one to one supervision must be provided to individuals with seizure disorders or who are not ambulatory.
Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFD) for people who cannot swim, those who have seizure disorders, and those who are not ambulatory.
PFDs must be properly sized and maintained to be effective; however, they are not a substitute for supervision.
Alert lifeguards to the special needs of individuals and ask lifeguards if the swimming area poses any special risks.
Before individuals enter the water, assess clarity and temperature of the water, weather conditions, and potential for overcrowding of the area. Provide supervision appropriate to the conditions found.
Be responsive to and anticipate changing conditions.

IN THE WATER:

Do not rely on lifeguards to provide supervision.
A level of supervision and/or swimming safeguards must be identified and should be documented in a person’s Life Plan.
Staff responsible for supervising individuals in the water must have the ability to assist the individual at any time while in the water. It is recommended that staff can swim when individuals are in more than knee-deep water.
Depending on the person’s needs, many times it is safest for staff to be in the water with the person to safely supervise them.
Staff must call for help at the first sign of trouble.
Staff must be specifically assigned to individuals and must always maintain visual contact with individuals for whom they are responsible.
When possible, swimming areas that are less crowded should be considered over more crowded swimming areas as it will allow for easier supervision of individuals in the water.
Supervision of individuals must not be interrupted by assigned staff to perform other duties, such as escorting individuals to the bathroom.
Observe all rules of the swimming area.
Have policy and procedures in place at sites/programs that have a pool onsite.

HELPFUL TO KNOW

Information from OPWDD: Important Information about Drowning Health and Safety

American Red Cross: Water Safety

Stop Drowning Now: Adapting Water Safety Practices for Children with Disabilities

National Autism Association: Water Safety and Drowning Prevention