Safety of Pets and Children

Ponds and aquatic life fascinate young children! Therefore it is extremely important to make your pond area safe as well as enjoyable. Consult your local building and safety codes before starting construction to be sure you don’t violate any regulations.

Here are some simple ideas to help:

Always supervise children around water.
Visiting children are often at higher risk because they may be unaware of the danger. Tell them of the danger and watch them closely.
Position the pond in a part of the garden where access can be restricted and where it is highly visible to adults.
A raised pond will create a natural barrier.
Use a fence to protect the pond if necessary or required by code.
Design a pond that is more difficult for children to get to the deeper and more dangerous water. This can be done by placing large stones, boulders with tall marginal plants around it, to create a natural barrier. Displaced soil from the excavation can also be used to produce barriers.
Use wide shallow planting areas in the pond. This will allow easy escape should a child fall in.
"Walk-out" areas can be built into your pond such as gently sloping beach exit.
Fill the deep areas with large stones. When your toddlers get older, you may remove the large stones.
Always have electrical items professionally fitted with a GFI (Ground Fault Interruption) breaker.
Ensure pool edging is secure.

Accidents are very rare, so enjoy your pond while being aware of safety.