Swimming
The leading cause of death for Autistic children is accidental drowning, particularly in connection with wandering or elopement behaviors. Research shows that children with Autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers.
The Water and Wandering Initiative is a national effort by the Autism Society to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community to decrease the tragic loss of life caused by water and wandering-related accidents. Locally, we are pleased to provide a list of swimming programs for individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities.
Reminder: If you are an Inland Regional Center client, we encourage you to speak to your CSC about potential funding for swimming lessons through Social Recreation.
Why Bathing Suit Color May Matter
Brightly colored bathing suits are important for children with autism, especially those with complex needs, because they improve visibility in water. Neon colors like orange, yellow, and green stand out in pools, lakes, and oceans, making it easier for caregivers or lifeguards to spot a child quickly. This is especially critical since autistic children may be more likely to wander and are at higher risk for drowning. Choosing a visible, comfortable swimsuit can help keep them safe while also supporting their sensory needs.
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For additional resources visit https://autismsociety.org/water-and-wandering/
Local Swim Lessons
Aquatic Zone
https://theaquaticzone.com/
1138 E. 6th St., #103, Corona, CA
951-739-4300
[email protected]
Adaptive aquatics instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills for children with a variety of special needs. All ages, 30 minutes class length with 1:1 Student-Teacher ratio.
Aqua Tots
https://www.aqua-tots.com/swim-levels/additional-swim-services/
8750 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga, CA
909-259-0500
[email protected]
Its Special Needs Aquatic Program (S.N.A.P.) is designed to create lessons tailored to each child’s special needs and abilities. This class may serve children diagnosed with behavioral, developmental, learning, medical or mental challenges.
Big Kahuna Swim Academy
https://bigkahunaswim.com/
909-273-9680
[email protected]
Private, One-On-One Swim Lessons at one their heated pools (Norco or Riverside), and Mobile Swim Lessons (we come to your pool). Our #1 priority is water safety and drowning prevention; making sure that every one of our students has learned and mastered what are called the 8 Basic Water Safety Skills which will enable them to save themselves in any water emergency.
British Swim School
https://britishswimschool.com/
951- 465-2856
[email protected]
Offers indoor, year round lessons to individuals of all ages (3mo to adult) with special abilities. Our special abilities aquatics program takes our traditional methods and adapts them into a specially designed program to work with swimmers of any ability, making them feel comfortable and safer in the water. Our special abilities program offers two levels, Dolphin 1 and 2, which are tailored to each individual student and focus on their strengths and abilities. Different locations throughout Southern California, please check the website for location nearest you.
Cogua Aquatics
https://swimminglessonschinohills.com/
14523 Ramona Ave., Chino, CA
[email protected]
909-227-1845
Welcoming space where swimmers of all abilities can thrive. Adaptive-certified instructors tailor lessons for autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and more.
Desert Recreation District – Adaptive Aquatics
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/desertrecdistrict/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-
Fritz Burns Pool: 78107 Avenue 52, La Quinta, CA
760-342-5665
Providing step by step instructions through specific drills designed to establish basic skills in swimming and water safety through 1-on-1 instruction in a 30minute class. Program is for individuals who have a diagnosed disability. Registration required.
Desert Swim Academy
https://desertswimacademy.com/
73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert, CA
760-835-3305
[email protected]
They offer flexible teaching techniques that will help your loved one create an enjoyable lesson and bring swimming to the lives of children with special needs starting at 4 months and up.
Fontana Park Aquatic Center – Aquability Lessons
https://www.fontana.org/2566/Fontana-Park-Aquatic-Center
Fontana Aquatic Center, Fontana, CA
909-854-5111
Special Needs Swim Lessons for Ages 4 yrs and older. Students enrolled will range in all ages and abilities with different intellectual and physical disabilities. Students will be swim tested and placed together based on ability during the first-class meeting. Registration required. Summer and Fall classes only.
French Valley Swim Academy
https://frenchvalleyswimacademy.com/
36560 Penfield Lane, Winchester, CA 92596
951-764-2292
At French Valley Swim Academy, we are constantly refining, studying, and learning to stay on the cutting edge of survival swimming. Scholarships available for 0-5 years of age. Work with any age, any ability, year round. Instructors have received special training/classes working with children with Autism.
Life Saver Aquatics
https://lifesaveraquatics.com/
39614 Tamarisk St., Murrieta, CA
951-460-0024
Adaptive aquatics is our aquatic program designed to assist individuals with special needs in learning to swim through specialized training and flexible methods. This approach not only helps improve balance, coordination and range of motion but also offers therapeutic and calming benefits. Specialized techniques are utilized to attain a goal of floating and controlled breathing for extended durations in order to maximize their safety. Scholarships available for 0-5 years old. Adults can also take advantage of our adaptive program.
Miss Selenia’s Happy Place
https://www.missseleniashappyplace.com/
15194 Pendleton Street, Hesperia, CA
[email protected]
760-713-6503
Swimming lessons for individuals of all ages and abilities. Group Lessons and private lessons are offered. High Desert area.
Passion For Splashin’
https://passionswim.com/
Claremont, CA
909-957-5385
[email protected]
Private swimming lessons for students of all ages and abilities. Has over two decades of experience in teaching students of all abilities and is the mother of a child with Autism.
Phoenix Swim Academy
https://phoenixswimacademy.com/
123 Lil Reb Pl, Menifee, CA | 951-467-2354
4757 Valley View Ave., Yorba Linda, CA | 714-621-5454
Year-round swimming lessons are offered in a customized saltwater lesson pool, which is heated to 92 degrees. We use a combination of sand, salt, and copper ion technology to keep the pool clean, without the use of harmful chemicals with over 25 years’ experience and a passion for teaching. We specialize in the Swim Float Swim method and have been highly trained by the best in the business, including the originator of the Swim Float Swim Method. Highly trained and specialize in teaching children with Special Needs. Vendored with Inland Regional center.
Premier Swim Academy
https://premierswimacademy.com/programs/rancho-cucamonga/sensory-swim-parent-and-me/
7827 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 909-509-5700
1673 Maple Hill Road, Diamond Bar, CA | 909-200-3676
Sensory Swim Parent and Me program is designed to provide students with adaptive learning needs a space to explore the water and learn crucial safety skills.
Redlands Family YMCA
https://ymcaeastvalley.org/swim-lessons/
500 E. Citrus Avenue, Redlands, CA
[email protected]
909-798-9622
Adaptive aquatic class is a Parent-Child class for children ages 5-18, with special needs. The goal of this class is to get your child comfortable in the water, teach them how to be safe around water, and become independent swimmers.
Riverside Parks and Recreation- Aquatics Program
https://www.riversideca.gov/park_rec/programs-sports/aquatics/swim-lessons
6927 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA
951-826-2000
The City of Riverside Aquatics program along with Swim Angel Fish provides a fun and safe environment while developing swimmers’ abilities based on individual needs, providing them with tools and skills necessary to become a successful swimmer. This class is for special needs children and young adults. To apply for adaptive swim lessons, please register at RivReg.org.
RSL Aquatics
https://rslaquatics.com/
331 E. Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA
909-851-3491
Private classes offered for children and adults of all ages and abilities from 6 months to adult. Weekday and weekend classes offered.
Schurkman Lil Sharks
Jared Schurkman
[email protected]
951-751-4391
12 years of experience teaching children with ASD to swim. ABA therapist working with children for four years.
Sunsational Swim School
https://www.sunsationalswimschool.com/swimming-lessons/Inland-Empire-CA
1-888-788-2140
Private Swim Lesson in your own pool. Their effective-yet-gentle approach to swimming lessons consists of private, personalized classes that quickly allow our students of all ages (even adults!) to gain the skills to better avoid falling into a pool, and how to turn around and reach the wall if they do fall in. Sunsational Swim School we’re proud to offer special needs swim instructors and special needs swim lessons (including special swim lessons for autism, sensory challenges, ADHD, physical disabilities and other challenges).
Temecula Community Services- Adaptive Swim Lesson
https://temeculaca.gov/408/Adaptive-Swim-Lessons
Margarita Rec Center Pool: 29119 Margarita Rd., Temecula, CA
[email protected]
951-308-6396
Adaptive swim lessons are for participants ages: 3-15 years with special needs to help focus on basic water skills and water adjustment. Also to help participants gain confidence in the water and improve kicking and stroking ability. Registration required. Summer lessons only.
Victorville Aquatics Program– Special Needs
https://www.victorvilleca.gov/government/city-departments/community-services/recreation/aquatics-in-season
Doris Davies Park: 16305 Hughes Rd., Victorville, CA
[email protected]
760-245-5551
Adult & participants ages 3 & up in the water with Lifeguard present for instruction & guidance. The class focuses on water orientation and safety. Offered during summer only.
Waterworks Aquatics
https://www.waterworksswim.com/lesson-detail/adaptive-swimming-lessons
3437 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA
949-450-0777
At Waterworks Aquatics, our adaptive swim lesson program is designed specifically for children with special needs. Learning to swim is not only a lifesaving skill but also boosts self-confidence and improves coordination, balance, strength, and range of motion. Scheduling swim lessons with Waterworks is easy! We offer flexible scheduling. You can start and stop lessons at any time.
Yucaipa Aquatics-Adaptive Swim Lessons
https://yucaipa.gov/aquatics/
12385 7th Street, Yucaipa, CA
[email protected]
909-790-7460
Enrolled students will span a wide range of ages and abilities, including various intellectual and physical disabilities. Swim tests will be conducted during the initial class, and students will be grouped based on their abilities. No swim test required. Summer lessons only.
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
