Water safety isn’t just a location - it’s behavior + context
Blended Aquatics exists to fill a gap in water safety education — building practical frameworks for behavior analysts, caregivers, and aquatic professionals who support neurodivergent learners.
We make water safety education accessible wherever people live, work, and learn — without a pool in sight.
BCBA / Co-Founder
Brea Merhar
“We envision Blended Aquatics growing into a community where individuals and families feel safe and confident being involved with water-based activities and environments. Our hope is that those who feel scared, isolated or have unsafe water practices gain basic swimming skills that allows them to be part of the community, swim team or Olympics.”
What we do
Most water safety programs focus on pools and aquatic environments. Blended Aquatics complements that work by focusing on what happens outside aquatic settings — in the daily routines and home environments where risk already lives.
Water safety risk lives in daily routines — in the behaviors and environments that precede pool access. The neighborhood pond. The bathroom sink. The drinking fountain. The puddle in the parking lot.
We create education and frameworks for the people who support neurodivergent learners in those moments — in the home, clinic, school, and community.
Our approach: location + behavior + context.
Who do we serve?
Behavior Analysts
You already assess behavior, modify environments, and train caregivers. The BRIDGE to Safety Framework™ shows you how those skills apply directly to water safety and how you’re already part of the solution. No pool required.
Parents & Caregivers:
Water safety starts at home — in bath time, handwashing, toileting, and daily transitions. We give you practical tools to recognize risk and build safer routines without needing a swimming background.
Aquatic Professionals:
Adaptive aquatic instruction is growing — but the behavioral and home-based support that primes learners for the pool is largely missing. We bridge that gap with education built for inclusive practice.
READY TO join the journey from awareness to action?
The BRIDGE to Safety Framework™
Built to bridge the gap. Built to help recognize, predict, and plan for water safety in everyday routines.
The BRIDGE to Safety Framework™ was developed to show professionals and caregivers the problem — and how they're already part of the solution.
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FAQ
What is a BCBA?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is an independent practitioner trained in the science of why people do what they do, and how to build skills effectively for real life.
Behavior analysts work across a wide range of settings, but they're most commonly known for supporting autistic individuals and others who may learn differently. Their job is to figure out why a behavior is happening and what conditions make learning more or less likely — then use that information to build effective, evidence-based teaching plans.
Why are autistic children at higher drowning risk?
Autistic children are at higher risk of drowning because many are naturally drawn to water, may wander away from safe adults, and often do not fully recognize water dangers or know how to respond in an emergency. Among children with autism, drowning is the leading cause of death through 14 years old. With the right awareness, supervision, and early water-safety teaching, families can still enjoy water more safely.
What is “wandering” or “elopement,” and how does it relate to drowning?
“Wandering” (also called “elopement”) means a child leaves a safe place or trusted adult without warning or permission. Many autistic children wander quietly and quickly, especially during transitions, stress, or changes in routine.
What is the 'BRIDGE to Safety' Framework?
The 'BRIDGE to Safety' is a water safety education framework through a behavior lens.
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Blended Aquatics LLC
Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.