The tragic story of Noah, an autistic child from Norwich who lost his life after entering a lake, inspired me to start this petition. As a parent of an autistic child, I've lived through the fear of similar dangers. This incident, a heartbreaking reminder of the unique challenges faced by autistic children and their families, is an urgent call for action to prevent further tragedies.

Autistic children may have varying sensory needs, communication differences, and sometimes limited awareness of danger around water, making them particularly vulnerable. Many children on the autism spectrum are drawn to water due to its calming properties, yet without a full understanding of its risks, this attraction can lead to fatal outcomes. According to the National Autism Association, drowning is among the leading causes of death for autistic children, making water safety an essential skill.

We ask the Government to provide dedicated funding so autistic children can access free, appropriately adapted swimming and water-safety lessons, delivered by instructors with suitable autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) training. In providing this, we aren't just offering a learning experience; we're ensuring the safety and well-being of countless children.

These lessons must be tailored to meet each child's unique needs, accommodating their sensory and communication requirements. Trained instructors can help turn what could be a dangerous fascination into a safe, supervised activity, lessening anxiety for both the children and their families.

In the UK, where access to natural and recreational water locations is common, these lessons can mean the difference between life and death. Provision of this funding ensures equality in safety education, giving families peace of mind knowing their children are safe in and around water.

Noah's story shouldn't repeat itself. We can prevent other families from enduring this pain by acting now. Let's protect our children by making water safety a priority. Please sign this petition to urge the government to fund free, specialised swimming and water safety lessons for our autistic children.