Photos submitted to the Times Observer Children are pictured swimming in the Warren C.A.R. pool

Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for a child with autism spectrum disorder?

Deaths in individuals with autism increased 700 percent in the past 16 years and were three times as likely as in the general population to be caused by injuries, according to a study by Columbia University.

That is part of the reason why HEROES, a local autism support group, and Lakeshore Community Services will be hosting a Sensory Swim at the C.A.R. Pool on July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Life guards will be on hand to show off the rescue tubes and life preserver rings that they use to save drowning victims, and participants will get a chance to hold on to one and see how they work.

While the pool time is fun, especially for children that don’t often go, it’s also a lot about survival skills.

“The kids can see what is being used to save their lives and, if they ever get in trouble, they will know what to do with the rescue tubes.” said Mandie Englert, founder of HEROES.

Many children on the autism spectrum are easily overwhelmed by the smells, noise and crowding of the C.A.R.pool during normal hours, but absolutely love being in the water.

“A lot of these children have sensory processing issues, and the water is incredibly calming.” Englert said. “It soothes all the senses, but can be a huge risk because of that. Many children on the autism spectrum are drawn to water.”

Englert founded HEROES, an autism support group, because the group she needed didn’t exist. HEROES is based on a meme she saw years ago that stated “Some people look up to their heroes. I’m raising mine.” They meet regularly through the year to talk about how to work with children on the spectrum.

Englert is especially grateful to the C.A.R. pool for staying open after hours to accommodate the sensory swim, and to Lakeshore Community Services for making it possible.