The Danger Of Ponds!

Ponds can look lovely, with neat little reeds growing tall, a few fish swimming around and perhaps a water lily decorating the middle, but, as the parents of the toddler who recently drowned in a garden pond in Cumbria tragically found out, they are also very dangerous for toddlers and young children.

The 23 month old child was discovered by his mother early evening just a few weeks ago. Despite calling for help and being rushed to the local hospital, the little one didn't pull through.  He drowned in the pond in the family garden.

Earlier this year, another 2 year old was found drowned in his garden pond in Bristol.  In this case, the mother was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, although she was released on police bail.

Every year on average, about ten toddlers and children die in garden ponds.  It is tragic and it is an avoidable disaster.

Needless to say, no matter how pretty your pond, none is worth the loss of life, the anguish of the parents, friends and family who will never be able to change the course of events and bring their little children back.

Children and toddlers whether crawling or walking or running move fast.  One moment they are there, the next they have scuttled off.  That is the nature of children.

Don't bother with fencing, or raising a little wall around the water, or carefully explaining to the kids not to go near the water.  Just fill it in, turn it into a sandpit even!  It simply isn't worth it!