LOUISVILLE, Ky. — May is National Water Safety Month, and it's vital to make sure all kids are safe around water.
According to FEAT of Louisville, an organization that provides support and education about autism to families, drowning is the number one cause of death among children with autism.
That's why the nonprofit has developed a program called "Get Your FEAT Wet" to teach life-saving swimming skills to children with autism within the community.
On Tuesday, WHAS11 News had the opportunity to speak with one parent whose kid participated in the program and said it was really life-changing.
"You hear about it a lot, children on the spectrum and drowning; we always said since he likes the water we're going to give him the tools that he needs to at least stay afloat," Michael Block said. "He does really well, he knows how to dog paddle, he likes to have a good time in the water and he keeps himself above the water."
Block said this program really put his mind at ease too.
"I always worry that Matthew is going to get into water or something and not be able to do what he needs to do, but then when I come see him in the pool or I get in the pool with him, it reminds me that he's got the tools he's going to know or he's going to be ok or at least buy some time until somebody can get to him," Block said.
The "Get Your FEAT Wet" program is held at the All About Kids sports center, Aqua Tots and the Home of the Innocents.
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