1. Start With the Right Swimwear

For sensory kids, clothing matters—a lot. Swimsuits can be especially challenging: they’re often tight, made of unfamiliar materials, and filled with tags, seams, or waistbands that irritate sensitive skin. Let kids swim in whatever they are comfortable swimming in.  

Let your child try on different suits at home well before swim day. Look for soft materials, tagless options, and styles that don’t ride up or bind. Rash guards can be helpful if your child is sensitive to sun or skin exposure. And if your child wants to wear something unconventional—like socks or long sleeves in the water—go with it. Comfort leads to confidence.

True story: My son refused socks all year—but in water? Long, knee-high socks were his non-negotiable swim gear for the pool, lake, and creek. And you know what? It worked. He was comfortable, confident, and happy. That’s the goal.

2.  Swim Supplies (Goggles and Ear plugs) 

Not because they keep water out perfectly (spoiler: they don’t). But because your child thinks they will. That perceived control is incredibly regulating.

So if your child wants goggles, a swim cap, or earplugs—even if it seems unnecessary—go for it. It’s not about the gear. It’s about giving them a sense of power and predictability.

3. Ease In With Water Play at Home

Before heading to a public pool or beach, build your child’s comfort level in a safe, familiar space. A backyard kiddie pool, a sprinkler, a bathtub with toys, or just a bowl of water for splashing can help desensitize their system to the sensations of water.

Let them take the lead. If they want to control how and when they get wet, follow their rhythm. This early exposure builds confidence and trust.

4. Prep for the Environment

Public swimming spaces are filled with sensory input—loud noises, bright sunlight, strong smells, cold water, and crowds. Preparing your child for these sensations can reduce their anxiety.

Talk through what they’ll experience ahead of time: how the pool might smell (chlorine), how loud the splashing might be, or how it might feel to walk on hot pavement. Show pictures or videos of the pool you’ll be visiting. If noise is a trigger, bring headphones or find a quieter time of day to visit.

The more they know what to expect, the safer they’ll feel.

5. Use Visual Cues and Safety Signals

Sensory kids thrive with clear expectations and routines. Help your child feel grounded by establishing visual cues or hand signals for key moments like “take a break,” “time to stop,” or “time to check in.”

Use timers, verbal countdowns, or picture cards to support transitions. Giving warnings before leaving the pool or changing activities can prevent emotional whiplash.

When the environment feels structured and predictable, your child’s nervous system can relax.

6. Respect Their Limits

Forcing your child to swim, dunk their head, or play like “everyone else” can increase fear and resistance. Instead, let them approach the water at their own pace.

If your child wants to sit on the edge with their feet in, that’s enough. If they need several visits to feel comfortable entering the water, that’s okay too. Every step forward is still forward.

Pushing past their comfort zone too quickly can damage trust. Go slow, stay nearby, and let them know you're a safe base.

7. Plan for Meltdowns and Regulation Breaks

Even with preparation, sensory overwhelm can happen. Plan for it.

Have a towel or blanket they can wrap up in, a quiet shaded spot nearby, and a favorite snack or comfort item available. Let them know they can take a break whenever they need it—and that it’s not a failure to step away.

Teach them how to recognize their own signs of dysregulation and support them in returning to a calm state.

8. Celebrate Every Small Win

Sensory progress isn’t linear. Some days your child might surprise you with their confidence; other days, they may regress. That’s normal.

Celebrate the small victories: putting on the swimsuit, dipping toes in the water, tolerating the sounds of a busy pool. These moments matter more than milestones. They are signs that your child is building trust in their environment—and in you.