Caregiver Pilot Program 

My name is Kendall Smith, and I am a third-year doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy Program at Tufts University.

For my doctoral experiential capstone, I am gathering direct caregiver feedback on The Sunfish Method’s existing swim instructor program. The goal of this project is to help adapt the training into an online program designed for caregivers, by caregivers, to support families in teaching foundational water-safety skills to their own children.

In other words: caregivers are the experts here and this project centers your voice.

Starting at the Shallow End: An Introduction to The Sunfish Method for Caregivers: 

An introductory overview of The Sunfish Method and how caregivers are being centered in shaping a more accessible, caregiver-informed approach to water safety

Let’s Dive In: What Water Safety Really Means for Children with Differences

In this post, we explore what water safety truly means for children with differences, why it’s more than just swimming skills, and how teaching safety in ways that meet a child’s unique needs can change outcomes

Water Safety for Children With ASD: Small Steps, Big Impact

Water safety looks different for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This post explains the unique risks children with ASD may face around water, why swimming alone is not enough, and how caregivers can support safety through preventative strategies, reactive skills, and individualized instruction.

It’s Not Just Swimming: Understanding the Sensory Side of Water Safety

Swimming is more than learning strokes. For many children, the pool can feel overwhelming, under-stimulating, or unpredictable. This post breaks down how sensory processing affects safety, regulation, and learning and helpful strategies caregivers can do to help their child feel calmer and more confident in the water.

Small Shifts, Big Impact: The Power of Caregiver Empowerment in Water Safety
This post explores why caregiver empowerment is at the heart of meaningful water safety education. It breaks down what empowerment really means, why confidence and knowledge matter in drowning prevention, and how equipping caregivers with practical, evidence informed strategies can create lasting impact both in and out of the water.

Swimming Against the Current: Barriers to Water Safety Access
Before a child can build water safety skills, they need access to instruction that is safe, affordable, and appropriate for their needs. This post explores the real barriers many families face, including cost, geography, and lack of individualized programming, and why expanding caregiver informed, flexible education models is essential to making water safety more equitable and attainable.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Water Safety and Participation

This post explains why occupational therapy has an important role in water safety and swimming instruction. It explores how regulation, sensory processing, skill breakdown, and predictable routines can help children feel safer and more successful in the water, and why empowering caregivers with practical strategies is essential for supporting participation and safety around water.

Strengthening Your Relationship Through Water Safety: Benefits for Caregivers

In this post, we explore how teaching water safety together can strengthen the bond between caregiver and child. We dive into how shared goals, reduced stress, and meaningful participation in water safety can empower both you and your child, building confidence and connection that lasts far beyond the pool.

👉 To read more, click the “Blog Posts” button below

Below are additional caregiver-focused resources that may be helpful as you begin learning more about water safety.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this page and learn more about the Caregiver Pilot Program. Your interest, participation, and feedback directly support my doctoral experiential capstone and help ensure this work is grounded in real caregiver experiences.

By sharing your perspectives, you are helping shape a caregiver-informed approach to water safety, one that is practical, accessible, and reflective of what families truly need. Caregivers bring invaluable expertise, and this project is possible because of your willingness to contribute your voice.

Whether you choose to participate in the pilot or simply explore the resources shared here, your support of this capstone project is deeply appreciated and meaningful.

Yours Truly,

Kendall Smith OT/s