Photo: Madison Rogers/WBZ NewsRadio
FRAMINGHAM, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — Teaching water safety to kids with special needs was the focus of 'Adaptive Water Safety Day' at the State Police Headquarters pool in Framingham on Wednesday.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan hosted the event in partnership with the State Police Dive Team and the organization 'Swim Angelfish'.
D.A. Ryan said the classes are borne from several recent tragedies. "Children either on the spectrum or having some other sensory issues or motor issues ... are 160 percent more likely to drown," she said.
One of the parents from the class said the lessons were providing him peace of mind. "We have a pool, and he's autistic and doesn't talk, so it's good he can let us know when he wants to go in."
'Swim Angelfish' specializes in working with individuals who have autism, anxiety, sensory needs, motor challenges, or those who learn differently.
Ryan said some of the caregivers who work with the kids drive for hours to be at the event, and they will keep having it for as long as they can.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok