Safety and security at sea and in pools are always a prerequisite, but in the case of autistic children between the ages of three and five it is even more crucial. In fact, the risk from drowning is 160 times higher for autistic children when compared to others.

Addressing the issues of safety and security for three-to-five-year-old autistic children while swimming, the launch this week of a specialised programme aimed at developing skills and general wellness with the active participation of parents and legal carers couldn’t have been more appropriate.

It is an established fact that for autism, one of the first noticeable benefits of swimming is its ability to calm the mind. Many autistic children go into swimming sessions feeling stressed and anxious, only to come out of the water without any undue worry.

The Water Safety for Autistic Kids and Parental Skills Pilot Programme is based on a batch of functional strategies and forms of help to meet sensorial needs in connection with communication and learning. Parents’ participation in the programme’s sessions is also an effective way of ensuring sustained support and long-term improvement in their children’s skills.

It is also aligned with Vision Malta 2050 as it promotes the continued emergence of an inclusive and healthy society seeking to bolster the welfare of children with varied needs. The project is also intended to address social injustice, the autonomy and security of children with disabilities, while fostering the active participation of parents within the community. To achieve these targets, the ten-week programme will see qualified coaches providing training during sessions in indoor, heated pools.

Our commitment to Vision Malta 2050 is wholly reflected in this programme since it puts the citizen at the centre of all public policies. By investing in early and inclusive interventions for autistic children and encouraging parents to take the role of partners in the development of their children, we are creating a just, secure and healthy society for everyone. Inclusion is not a privilege, but a fundamental right which needs to be determined at a very early age.

As Dr Lorraine Azzopardi, Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist, emphasised during the launch of the ten-week programme, the planned sessions are essential as autistic children face a greater risk of losing their parents’ attention and are often attracted by water, hence posing an even graver danger from drowning. Sadly, the incidence of autistic children drowning is, statistically, much higher. Swimming lessons and security awareness need to remain an absolute priority.

It was also highly pleasing to follow the erudite advice of Leanne Xuereb Ungaro, head coach of Just Keep Swimming Malta, who insisted that besides the swimming sessions, during the programme sessions the children will also be guided on how best to develop more confidence and security while in the water.

The Water Safety for Autistic Kids and Parental Skills Programme is available to children who are holders of the EU Disability Card via www.inclusion.gov.mt Closing date for applications is Friday, February 20, 2026. Queries can be made on [email protected]