FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Recent drownings in the Houston area have highlighted the issue that children with autism are often drawn to water.
A Fort Wayne, Indiana police officer is credited with preventing a similar tragedy when a 3-year-old boy wandered away from home recently.
Alex Cavillo and Savannah Ybarra were frantic when they realized their son Aziel was missing.
"Like, OK this is serious, I need to call the cops," Ybarra said. "They're all out looking for him, as well, and it's obviously nerve-wracking at this time, and with being pregnant it's even more stressful."
The parents told officers that Aziel has autism and likes water.
Officer Evan Myers was searching when he heard a cry from a nearby backyard. He found the little boy floating on his back in a neighbor's pool and rescued him. The whole thing was caught on Myers' body camera.
"Every time since he was one when we would go swimming in the summer, I've kind of held him on his back so he could try and float above water," Alex said. "I'm pretty sure that's what played a role in him wanting to stay there."
Alex said Aziel got to the pool through an opening in the fence. They plan to put up a fence of their own now.
The couple is forever grateful to Officer Myers for saving their son.
"I definitely want to give him a huge thanks," Alex said. "I can't describe how grateful I am for him. It definitely means a lot to us and our family."
Safety tips for parents of children with autism
According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning because they're often attracted to water but don't know how to swim.
Parents should have layers of safety measures in place but the biggest thing is getting swim lessons.
"Survival swim lessons -- knowing how to independently roll over, how to get their face out of the water almost as reflexive," Texas Swim Academy owner Katherine McMorty said.
- Experts suggest you also warn your children about the dangers of getting into water unsupervised.
- You can put up a fence around your pool or install splash alarms.
- There's even a bracelet that can alert you if your child goes into the water.
- Special interior combination locks sold online can provide another level of safety. They have a 10-digit code to keep kids inside.