Autism Advocacy Group Warns of Water Safety Risks

South Carolina organization highlights drowning dangers for people with autism, especially non-verbal individuals and those prone to wandering.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist neon outline of a person floating in water, emphasizing the shape and energy of the figure against a dark blue background, conceptually representing the water safety risks for individuals with autism.Autism advocacy groups warn that water safety is a critical concern, with children on the spectrum 160 times more likely to drown than their peers.Myrtle Beach Today

A South Carolina autism advocacy group is urging families to be aware of unique water safety risks for people with autism, especially those who are non-verbal or prone to wandering. The group says children with autism are 160 times more likely to die by drowning than their neurotypical peers, and has seen multiple recent drowning incidents in the Myrtle Beach area.

Why it matters

Drowning is a leading cause of death for individuals with autism, who may be drawn to water sources without understanding the dangers. This issue disproportionately impacts the autism community and requires specialized safety measures and training.

The details

The Champion Autism Network (CAN) says about half of people with autism have a tendency to elope or run away, often towards nearby water sources they are attracted to. Teaching water safety and swimming skills can be challenging for this population, requiring repetition and specialized instruction. CAN is working to establish sensory-friendly swim lessons to help address this need.

  • In 2025, at least three non-verbal children with autism died after drowning in the Grand Strand area.
  • In April 2026, a non-verbal teen with autism died after being submerged in a Myrtle Beach hotel pool for around 45 minutes.

The players

Becky Large

The executive director of Champion Autism Network (CAN), a South Carolina autism advocacy group.

Brian Mitchell

The Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue supervisor, who provided water safety recommendations for families.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If there is a runner or an eloper, their first place to go is where the water is, because they are drawn to water, even if they don't know how to swim. Many of them don't have a sense of danger or anything like that. They just love the water.”

— Becky Large, Executive Director, Champion Autism Network

“You want to be next to them in the water, standing in the shallow end. If they're not a strong swimmer, look at purchasing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD that fits them properly, and make sure they wear that not only in the pool but around the pool.”

— Brian Mitchell, Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue Supervisor

What’s next

CAN is working to find a sensory-friendly pool to begin holding Safety Around Water courses for children with autism.

The takeaway

This tragic issue highlights the critical need for specialized water safety education and resources for the autism community. Families and caregivers must be vigilant about monitoring individuals with autism around water and equipping them with the proper safety skills and equipment.