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PBCBA Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
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Hope Floats: How the Ernie Els # GameON Autism Aquatics Program Is Creating a Safer Future for Children with Autism
MARLENE SOTELLO
BRUCE BLITMAN
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, who are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers( APD Florida, 2024). Since 2021, more than 100 children with autism have drowned in Florida, with Palm Beach County having the highest number of incidents( Children ' s Services Council of Palm Beach County, 2024).
The Ernie Els # GameOn Autism Aquatics program mitigates this risk by training professionals and providing individuals with autism swim instruction to build water safety skills and confidence.
The Aquatics program is a new program developed by Els for Autism to teach water safety and swimming skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder in a safe, structured and supportive environment. A key feature of the program is its dual focus. It provides professional training for certified adaptive swim instructors and direct instruction for individuals with autism. The professional training component includes online instruction, accessible materials, and consultation to ensure swim instructors are fully prepared to become official program providers. It equips instructors with the tools and strategies needed to effectively support individuals with autism in acquiring essential water safety and swimming skills that will last for a lifetime.
The curriculum is built around dual learning objectives. Individuals gain essential swimming and water safety skills while also building broader life skills that support overall development and wellbeing. Lessons progressively introduce swimming techniques tailored to each individual ' s needs and integrate evidencebased practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice( Steinbrenner et al., 2020), ensuring research-informed instruction.
The program includes a Pre-Assessment Questionnaire and in-Water Evaluation to identify each individual ' s strengths, needs and areas for support. Progress is monitored using a Progression Checklist with Tracking, which helps instructors assess skill development and mastery over time. Beyond skill development, the program also provides a foundation for further research, offering insights into the benefits of aquatic interventions and guiding continuous improvement. By addressing both physical and cognitive growth, the program promotes immediate developmental outcomes and longterm access to high-quality, inclusive aquatic experiences.
For more information about the Aquatics Program, Els for Autism Foundation Recreation Complex, and other resources provided by Els for Autism in Jupiter, please call( 561) 625-8269.
Marlene Sotelo is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience serving individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. As Executive Director of the Els for Autism Foundation, she oversees programs, fundraising, and operations at The Els Center of Excellence, guiding its growth into a globally recognized leader in autism research, education, and services. Under her leadership, Els for Autism has built strategic partnerships worldwide, advancing access to high-quality resources and fostering innovation in the autism field.
Bruce A. Blitman is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County and Family Mediator in Palm Beach Gardens. He serves on the Health and Wellness Committees for the Palm Beach County and Broward County Bar Associations. His email address is Babmediate @ aol. com.
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 19
PBCBA Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
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