My grandson, who is 5 years old and has non-verbal autism, loves the water but cannot swim. This is a constant source of anxiety for our family, especially hearing heartbreaking stories about other autistic children who have drowned because they were unable to swim. In our community and across the nation, too many families share this fear. The alarming fact is that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children with autism, according to the National Autism Association.

Autistic children are drawn to water, yet they often lack the skills to protect themselves in aquatic environments. In the UK, many families cannot afford swimming lessons, especially if they require specialized attention from instructors who understand autism. This is an urgent public safety issue that needs addressing, and there is a straightforward, humane solution: provide free swimming lessons to all autistic children who cannot swim.

We are calling on local government bodies and educational institutions to collaborate with swimming establishments to offer these lessons at no cost to families. Funding for this initiative can be sought through public-private partnerships, government grants, and community fundraising efforts. By ensuring that every autistic child has access to life-saving swimming education, we can prevent tragedies and provide families with peace of mind.

Every child, regardless of their neurological status, deserves the chance to enjoy water safely. With your support, we can advocate for inclusive swimming safety education, which will not only improve the quality of life for these children but also potentially save lives.

Please join us in this critical effort to protect our beloved children by signing this petition. Together, we can push for actionable change that acknowledges and supports the unique needs of autistic children in our communities.