Amid rising concern about drowning among children with autism, a new effort is underway to help kids with cognitive, physical and developmental needs across the country learn to be safe in the water.

Goldfish Swim School, which has 185 locations across 35 states and Canada, said it is introducing adaptive swim lessons through its Golden Learners program.

“Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, with children with autism being 160 times more likely to drown,” said Jenny McCuiston, co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. “With a focus on developing water safety, swimming skills and boosting self-esteem, the Golden Learners program is specially designed for kids who may need a little extra time, patience or support, helping to remove barriers for families who may feel their child requires more individualized attention.”

Adaptive lessons feature consistent routines, sensory-friendly techniques and focus on positive reinforcement, the company said. They will be offered one-on-one or in small groups, depending on each child’s needs.

The Golden Learners program has been in the works for years and was developed in consultation with a pediatrician and a pediatric occupational therapist, the swim school chain indicated. It is designed to offer kids with disabilities the ability to learn at their own pace.

Last summer, there was an uptick in drownings of children with autism prompting the National Autism Association and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to issue an “urgent alert” to remind first responders and others to check areas with water first whenever a child with autism goes missing.