How to Build Water Confidence in Children With Developmental Delays

Gentle, Inclusive, and Joyful Strategies for Lifelong Water Safety and Enjoyment 

For children with developmental delays — including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing challenges, or global developmental delays — the pool can be a place of overwhelming stimuli or profound therapeutic joy. The difference often lies not in the child, but in the approach.

Building water confidence in these children isn’t about pushing them to “keep up.” It’s about meeting them where they are, honoring their unique sensory, motor, and communication needs, and creating a safe, predictable, and joyful entry into the aquatic world.

In this guide, we’ll explore evidence-based, compassionate strategies to help children with developmental delays develop water confidence — one splash, one smile, and one small victory at a time.

🌈 Why Water Confidence Matters

Water confidence is more than comfort — it’s a lifesaving skill. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Yet, with the right support, these children can not only learn to be safe in water — they can thrive in it.

Benefits of aquatic engagement for children with developmental delays include:

• Improved motor coordination and balance

• Enhanced sensory integration (water provides calming proprioceptive input)

• Reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation

• Increased social interaction and communication

• Greater independence and self-esteem 

“The water doesn’t judge. It holds. It supports. It waits.”  

🧭 Core Principles for Success

1. Safety First — Always 

• Never force entry or submersion

• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets or adaptive flotation (not water wings)

• Maintain 1:1 supervision — “touch supervision” within arm’s reach

• Ensure pool staff are trained in inclusive practices 

2. Predictability Builds Trust 

Children with developmental delays often thrive on routine. Create a consistent structure:

• Same entry routine (e.g., sit on step → splash feet → walk in)

• Visual schedules with pictures: “1. Sit. 2. Splash. 3. Kick. 4. High-five.”

• Use the same cues, songs, or phrases every session 

3. Follow the Child’s Lead 

Let the child set the pace. If they want to sit on the step and watch for 10 minutes, that’s progress. Confidence grows from autonomy, not coercion.

4. Celebrate Micro-Wins 

• Touched water with one finger? Victory.

• Blew one bubble? Huge.

• Made eye contact during a song? Celebrate it.

  
  

  Progress isn’t linear — but every step counts. 

🎯 Age- and Need-Specific Strategies

👶 For Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children

• Use visual supports: PECS cards, picture boards (“I want to float,” “I need a break”)

• Pair actions with consistent gestures: Point to ears before submersion, tap chest for “ready”

• Incorporate music and rhythm: Simple songs with repetitive lyrics (“Kick, kick, little feet”)

• Use social stories: “Today I will sit on the step. I will splash. I am safe.” 

🧒 For Children with Sensory Sensitivities (e.g., ASD)

• Control sensory input:

  • Offer tinted goggles to reduce visual glare

  • Use nose clips if water in nose is distressing

  • Avoid loud whistles or echoing pool environments when possible 

• Gradual exposure:

  • Start with dry land water play (spray bottles, water tables)

  • Progress to sitting on pool edge, then steps, then shallow water 

• Deep pressure input: Gentle squeezes or hugs before entry can be calming 

🧑‍🦽 For Children with Motor Challenges (e.g., Cerebral Palsy, Low Tone)

• Use adaptive equipment:

  • Back floatation vests for upright support

  • Noodles under arms or behind knees for positioning

  • Pool ramps or lifts for safe entry/exit 

• Focus on functional movement:

  • Reaching for toys to build arm strength

  • Kicking while holding a bar to engage legs

  • Floating with support to experience buoyancy 

👧 For Children with Anxiety or Fear of Water

• Never surprise them — always narrate what’s coming: “In 3 seconds, we’ll pour water on your shoulders”

• Start away from deep water — use shallow play areas or even bathtub at home

• Pair water with joy: Favorite toys, bubbles, songs, or a trusted adult in the water 

🎮 Play-Based Activities That Build Confidence

1. “Bubble Blowing Station” 

• Sit on step, blow bubbles through a straw or with mouth

• Teaches breath control and reduces fear of water on face

• Add food coloring to bubbles for visual engagement 

2. “Treasure Hunt” 

• Place sinkable toys in shallow water

• Child reaches or steps to retrieve — builds comfort with submersion

• Use favorite characters (e.g., “Find Dory!”) 

3. “Floating Friend” Game 

• Child holds a floating toy while instructor gently supports them in back float

• “Your dolphin is holding you up — and so am I!”

• Builds trust and introduces floating 

4. “Water March” 

• Walk together in shallow water to a drumbeat or song

• Adds rhythm, predictability, and motor planning

• Hold hands or use a hula hoop for connection 

5. “Mirror Me” 

• Instructor performs simple actions (splash, kick, arm circle)

• Child imitates at their own pace

• Builds imitation skills and body awareness 

🧑‍🏫 Tips for Instructors and Parents

✅ Use clear, simple language: “Feet in. Hands on wall. Ready?”

✅ Avoid idioms: Say “Put your face in the water” — not “Dive in!”

✅ Model calm energy: Your anxiety transfers. Breathe. Smile. Wait.

✅ Collaborate with therapists: OTs, PTs, and SLPs can offer insights into sensory and motor needs

✅ Be patient with regression: Illness, changes in routine, or growth spurts can temporarily increase fear — that’s okay

“Success isn’t measured in laps. It’s measured in moments of trust.”  

📅 Sample Session Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Arrival & Transition (5 min)   

• Visual schedule review

• Put on cap/goggles with support

• Sit on deck, sing welcome song 

2. Dryland Prep (5 min)   

• Practice “bubble breaths” on deck

• March to pool edge with song 

3. Water Entry (5 min)   

• Sit on step, splash feet

• Pour water on shoulders (child controls cup)

• Enter when ready — no rush 

4. Play & Skill Building (10 min)   

• Choose 1–2 activities (e.g., treasure hunt + bubble blowing)

• Follow child’s engagement level 

5. Wind-Down & Exit (5 min)   

• Gentle floating with support

• Sing goodbye song

• High-five and sticker for effort (not performance) 

🤝 Working with Families

• Ask parents: “What calms your child? What triggers anxiety?”

• Share wins: “Today, she let water touch her chin — that’s huge!”

• Respect boundaries: If a child says “no” (verbally or nonverbally), honor it

• Provide home carryover ideas: “Try blowing bubbles in the bathtub this week” 

🌟 Real-Life Impact

“My son, nonverbal and terrified of water, now jumps in with his swim instructor. He smiles underwater. He’s safer. He’s joyful. That’s everything.”— Parent of 7-year-old with autism  

“In the water, my daughter with Down syndrome moves like she’s flying. On land, she struggles to walk. In water, she’s free.”— Parent of 5-year-old  

Final Thoughts

Building water confidence in children with developmental delays isn’t about creating elite swimmers. It’s about creating safe, capable, and joyful human beings who know they can trust the water — and themselves.

It’s about replacing fear with familiarity, isolation with connection, and helplessness with agency.

So go slow. Listen deeply. Celebrate everything.And remember: every child deserves to feel the wonder of water — on their own terms, in their own time.

One splash. One breath. One moment of trust. 

That’s where confidence begins. 💙🌊