Welcome, UF CARD Conference Attendees
I’m so glad you’re here.
Thank you for being part of a community that shows up for individuals with autism, deaf-blindness, and related disabilities—and for the families who love and support them. Your work matters, and so does this conversation.
Water safety is often talked about in pieces. Today, we’re here to look at the whole picture.
Why Water Safety Matters in the Autism Community
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children, and children with autism face significantly higher risk due to factors like elopement, wandering, sensory-seeking behaviors, and strong attraction to water.
Water safety is not just swim lessons.
It’s not just fences, gates, or alarms.
And it’s not something families can afford to think about only in the summer.
Real water safety is a combination of education, preparation, clear boundaries, active watching, and consistent communication—especially in everyday environments like bathtubs, backyard pools, hotel pools, lakes, and beaches.
That’s where my work begins.
About Miss Dayna
I’m Dayna Harvey—mom of three, certified swim instructor, CPR advocate, and water safety educator with over 30 years of experience teaching children how to be strong, safe, and confident around water.
My work is rooted in one simple truth:
Drowning is 100% preventable—but only when we change how we approach water safety.
I specialize in working with children with autism and supporting families, educators, and professionals with practical, real-world strategies that can actually be used every day.
The Waiting Whale Water Safety Kit
Many families ask, “Where do we start?”
The Waiting Whale Water Safety Kit was created to help families teach one of the most important water safety rules of all:
“Where there’s water, I will WAIT.”
This kit helps adults:
Create clear waiting areas around water
Teach children when water is closed and when it’s open
Reduce unsafe access to water during non-swim times
Build consistent routines that support safer behavior
It’s designed to be used at home, on vacation, and in community settings—and it’s especially helpful for children who need clear, visual boundaries.
👉 Conference attendees can purchase a Waiting Whale Water Safety Kit here.
Join the Water Safety Community
If you’re here today, you’re already taking an important step.
By joining my email list, you’ll receive:
Practical water safety education for families and caregivers
Resources specifically designed for children with autism
Guidance on preventing drowning across all water environments
Updates on free tools, trainings, and upcoming programs
This is education you can share with families, schools, and communities.
👉 Sign up here to receive water safety emails and resources.
