MEMPHIS, Tenn. — May is National Water Safety Month.
And with pools set to open soon, one Mid-South program is working to save lives for children with autism.
FOX13 told you about Memphis rapper Kia Shine’s Aquatism program last year.
Now, it’s expanding.
“It’s just a very calm and relaxing thing,” Kia Shine Coleman explained. “So with our children that have special needs and our autism children with sensory issues, the water can heal but the water can also kill.”
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Coming off the heels of Autism Awareness Month in April and heading into Water Safety Month in May, organizers say the timing could not be more important.
Aquatism is a play on the words: aqua and autism. The adaptive water safety program was created through Autism Advocates to help families prepare for a season that can be fun, but also dangerous.
Organizers say children with autism may be prone to wandering and drawn to water. Studies have found children with autism face a significantly higher drowning risk than other children, with many fatal drownings happening after a child wanders away, often to water close to home.
That is why organizers say Aquatism is not simply about swim lessons.
“Aquatism is a combination of autism and water aquatics,” Coleman explained. “Aquatic safety is what it is: It’s a combination of the two.”
He added, “When we saw the data, it was like we got to get these instructors trained. So, we do the training for the instructors and then we sponsor the free swim lessons.”
Through partnerships with participating YMCAs, Autism Advocates helps cover the cost to train instructors and provide free swim lessons for families.
Families also receive Aquatism kits designed to remove barriers and help children come ready for lessons, including items like goggles, swimsuits, towels and other essentials they may need to safely get in the water and get started.
Organizers say the goal is to make sure access does not stand in the way of safety.
“We need to make sure that they understand water quality and safety so that they can make sure they can be able to save themselves,” Coleman explained.
The focus is simple: water safety skills that could save lives and a way to help families safely enjoy the warmer months ahead.
What began in Memphis has now expanded to Seattle, the hometown of Coleman’s wife, with hopes of reaching families nationwide and eventually worldwide.
“I see this Aquatism program going from Memphis, going to Nashville, going to Atlanta, going overseas,” Coleman said.
Organizers say the program is not just about safety. It is also about connection and confidence.
“You got to find a way to connect,” Coleman said. “And this organization gives you an opportunity to connect with your child.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Spring Wave of Aquatism lessons through participating YMCAs.
Organizers say Aquatism is one branch of Autism Advocates, a nonprofit active across the Mid-South in schools and communities year round, working to spread education, awareness and support for families.
Families interested in applying or learning more can find details and links at autismadvocates.org.
