About the Program: Swim PALS is a comprehensive, family-centered program designed to reduce the risk of wandering and drowning through education, planning, and skill-building. This collaborative initiative combines expert-led parent training, individualized safety planning, and accessible swim instruction to empower families with the tools they need to keep their children safe.

Who Can Participate: This program is open to families of children with autism ages 2-7 who are registered with the UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities(CARD).

Cost: The only cost associated with participation is for the 1:1 Adaptive Swim Lessons offered in partnership with CARD and PALS.  $100 per week, billed weekly  - Lessons will not be billed individually, weeks will be paid for in total regardless of attendance. Payment will be due each Wednesday at noon for the followings weeks lessons.

Program Components: The program features 3 main components: Parent Webinar, Home Visit, and Swim Lessons at UCF. You must register and attend all 3 components.

Part 1: Parent Webinar: Wandering & Drowning Prevention

• Date:  September, 9th 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Hosted by UCF CARD, this live webinar will provide essential strategies for preventing wandering and reducing drowning risk.
• A zoom link will be provided with your confirmation for this mandatory call. 

Part 2: Individualized Home Safety Planning

• UCF CARD will schedule home visits with participating families during the months of September & October.
• During this appointment, a CARD ASD Specialist will help develop a personalized safety plan tailored to your child’s needs and environment. 
• Based on the needs indicated, we will assist you by providing resources and/or tools (as available).

Part 3: Swim Lessons 

• Children will participate in daily swim lessons, Monday through Thursday, for a minimum of 8 weeks beginning on September 14th - 2 additional weeks will be available if needed before certification. 
• Lessons will take place in between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. 
• Lessons will last approximately 10 minutes.
• Lessons are designed to build water confidence and safety skills in a supportive, autism-friendly environment.
• Parent/ Guardian will remain on the pool deck for the duration of each lesson.



Important Dates Recap:

• 📄 Child Information Packet Due: September, 7th 2026 at 17:00.
• 🏠 Home Visits: By appointment in September & October.
• 💻 Wandering and Drowning Prevention Webinar: September, 9th 2026
• 🏊 Swim Lessons Begin: September 14th 2026

Link to Register is below.

Password: SwimPALS26!

The PALS Team

(407) 823-6020

info@pals-ucfcard.org