AngelSense Launches Summer Initiative to Prevent Water Tragedies

As temperatures rise, so do the dangers for children with autism around water. AngelSense, a leading provider of assistive safety technology for kids with special needs, has launched a new water safety initiative aimed at preventing child drownings — especially among families most at risk.

This summer, AngelSense is offering a custom promo code for SafeWise readers: “WaterSafeWise,” which gives families a free waterproof pouch with the purchase of an AngelSense GPS device and subscription. The pouch makes it easier for children to safely wear the tracking device at pools, beaches, and lakes.

The campaign comes amid alarming new data: At least 71 children with autism drowned in the U.S. in 2024 alone—the highest number on record, according to data provided by AngelSense. So far in 2025, 10 more children with autism have drowned, many after wandering away from their homes or schools and toward bodies of water.

According to a newly released fact sheet from AngelSense, over 90% of autism-related deaths in children under 14 are due to drowning. More than 70% of autism elopement fatalities involve water. The sensory experience of water — rippling reflections, soothing pressure, and rhythmic sounds — can act as a hypnotic lure for children with autism, many of whom have limited awareness of danger.

“It is pure luck our family was not another statistic,” said Sarah G., a mother who shared her story through the campaign. “We found AngelSense, and all the things we thought we had to give up — day trips to the lake, swimming lessons, outdoor play — became possible again.”

As part of their campaign, AngelSense shared strategies to help keep kids with special needs safer around water. 

1. Make swimming predictable: Create a routine for water activities. This helps water safety rules become "muscle memory." This way, children will default to learned rules instead of approaching water activities impulsively. 
2. Use visual safety tools: Picture cards and visual stories help reinforce water safety rules and can make learning easier than relying solely on verbal instructions. Review visual aids regularly.
3. Find specialized swim programs: Look for swimming instructors who are trained to teach kids with autism. Programs like Safe Splash recognize and accommodate communication differences and sensory needs.
4. Try assistive technology: Specialized devices, like AngelSense, can alert you if your child leaves a designated safe zone, provide real-time location alerts, and allow you to check in on them at any time.
5. Educate your community: Make sure that neighbors with pools know about autism wandering, so they can keep an eye out if your child starts to wander while visiting.