BEL AIR, MD. — A local nonprofit group is working to prevent drownings among children with autism and developmental disabilities in a year that has seen several tragic events in Maryland.

Pathfinders for Autism, a nonprofit organization based in Hunt Valley, is hosting a swim event Saturday night at the Arena Club in Bel Air to help children with autism become comfortable in and around water.

“When my child was diagnosed, we weren’t told about the risks of drowning, wandering, and running away. We didn’t understand how common this was,” Shelly McLaughin, the nonprofit’s program director, recalled to WMAR.

McLaughlin said he knows of about a half-dozen children with autism who drowned in Maryland from June to October.

In Dundalk, 6-year-old Marcel Traore drowned in June after police said he was missing and first responders found him in the water.

READ MORE: Advice on wandering and escape following tragic death of 6-year-old boy with autism

“We’re really trying to help families prevent future tragedies,” McLaughlin added.

The free ‘swim party’ on Saturday night is made possible with grant money.

“(The kids) will have the opportunity to kind of play in the pool,” McLaughlin said.

Saturday’s event is at capacity, but the group is highlighting similar opportunities throughout the year social media; The group wants to spread the word to help families take preventative measures.

Maryland Autism Coalition

“We really work to make sure families understand the risks of wandering and running away and the risk of drowning that comes with that,” McLaughlin said.

Goals include reminding parents to call 911 first if their child gets lost, encouraging families to take formal swimming lessons, and teaching children moves that support aquatic life.