Owning a garden pond is a big responsibility, and we don’t just mean looking after your fish. Your pond can add real beauty to your garden and can be a real focal point. That does not mean that you alone will love the pond, children will love it too.

If you already have young children in your family you will be most likely well aware of the dangers a pond possesses. And, will hopefully have taken steps to avoid any type of potential catastrophe. If you haven’t taken steps yet here are a few suggestions on what you can do.

The main problem most people have with child proofing their pond is they think the aesthetic nature of the pond will be spoiled. This does not however have to be the case.

• Separate sections of your garden with a fence. This does not have to be just around the pond at its edge. You can add garden segregation into your overall garden design and hence stop children getting anywhere near the pond without spoiling its look.
• Use shallow slopes at the edge of your pond in the pond design – if the unthinkable happens and a child falls in, they will hopefully be able to climb out easily.
• If you know there will be children in your garden you should supervise them at all times.
• You could install a rigid pond cover or taught wire mesh to the pond.

Pond safety is really important and should be incorporated into every pond design.