Why do people still run the risk of toddlers and garden ponds?

[JackandDiane]

We all know it is not a risk worth taking? Parents, grandparents, whoever
WHY?

[SoThisIsSummer]

what do you mean? they should get rid of pond?

[TheLongRains]

It terrifies me. My parents have a raised one, and even that isn't safe. My friend's daughter was leaning up over the wall to fill a bucket and she went headfirst into it. I've never moved so fast in my life.

Reminds me I need to get my husband onto covering it with some kind of a sturdy lid. They won't get rid of it because they raised four of us without any of us drowning

My in-laws have a pool with no fence around it. We rarely visit them now. They also won't get it secured...

[JackandDiane]

of COURSE

[TheLongRains]

Oh, and we live overseas and in the last two years I've heard of five children in my circles (family or friends of friends) who have drowned in pools. Pools are common here, so I cannot fathom why safety isn't better.

[JackandDiane]

you only need to drain it for a few years
then reinstate
HOW can you run the risk if you have kids or grandkids to stay? I just dont get it

[Ifailed]

Reminds me I need to get my husband onto covering it with some kind of a sturdy lid
Why can't you make a sturdy lid?

[JackandDiane]

lol i wouldnt know how to make a sturdy lid
its men's stuff innit - like BINS

[SoThisIsSummer]

pils have long pond sort of just less than swimming pool length and half of that, it terrfies me.

[juls1888]

I really don't get it. We bought our house with a pond and the first thing I did was empty it. Strangely enough the people we bought from had a DS the same age as ours....nuts!

[ineedamoreadultieradult]

My parents who we visit approx 4 times a year got an iron mesh purpose made to cover their pond concreted in to the sides so no danger of it coming lose etc. They got it installed when DS1 was 2 weeks old. They are usually very laid back and to be honest I thought it was overkill but I'm so glad they did.

[honeysucklejasmine]

Is it Australia where you legally have to have pools secured?

I agree with you OP. Small price to pay considering the consequences.

[JackandDiane]

another death in the news today

[WhispersOfWickedness]

I agree, DH and I are rather lax in other areas of health and safety, but even we got rid of our pond as soon as DC1 could walk (and it was a raised one with a very sturdy mesh cover).

[ohdearme1958]

Im sure the grandparents of the wee one who died a few days ago are also asking themselves why, and there really is no need for a thread here adding to their heartbreak.

[JassyRadlett]

Is it Australia where you legally have to have pools secured?

Yep. Very strict laws about pool fencing, I'm always shocked when I see unfenced pools elsewhere.

[TheHauntedFishtank]

Our idiotic next door neighbours have just got a huge pool which they either leave uncovered or with a loose plastic cover over it which is just as bad. They have young, unruly kids plus there are a lot of cats round here and I worry about it a lot.

[Longdistance]

In Iz they are very strict about pools wrt locks on door within the home, and gated off areas for the pool.

[troubleinstore]

We had a pond in our garden when we moved into our house. DD was 2. I saw it just like living next to a main road/in a car/at the top of an open staircase/not wearing a helmet whilst cycling/with access to chemicals under the sink...all those things.. I'd never leave her unattended and never did. She was in my sight or held my hand ALL of the time whilst in the garden. I understood the danger and looked after her accordingly. If you do then there should be no problem.

[smudgedlipstick]

This is something very close to me at the moment, my pil's are in the process of installing a huge pond in there garden, it's raised with railings around the top but there jack Russell managed to get in it the other day and would have drowned ss it couldn't get out if someone hadn't been there - they have my two year old twice a week. I am terrified. I have raised my concerns with them and am just told it will be safe don't worry, I am trying to work out what I am going to do when it's complete and my dd is back there every week

[HungryHorace]

We moved into a house with a pond when I was a toddler. My parents were draining it when I fell into in. My sister went into the house to tell them I was trying to swim...I think they moved at some speed to rescue me! I now have a phobia of going underwater, but at least I'm alive to tell the tale.

My in laws got rid of their pond when I was expecting (I think. Before DD was walking, certainly) as they refused to take the risk. I wouldn't have let DD visit with an unsecured pond, so I'm glad they did it.

I'd not let my kids visit anyone who was blasé about water safety; it's not worth the risk.

[HerRoyalNotness]

In Texas here, no need for fences. But gate to backyard has to be on a spring so it closes. Just from our experience, DH (English) was very blasé, eg the DC aren't stupid, they won't go in. Me raised in NZ, erm the danger is if they accidentally slip and fall and hit their heads = game over. I got a pool alarm, then after our DD died, I just got the fence installed. I didn't are what he thought and couldn't face losing another.

So many Unfenced pools here it's crazy. All of the expats I know installed fences. Just because it's not the law, doesn't mean you shouldn't have one. I'm also very aware of the 2 small DC that live next door and keeping them out and safe.

[JackandDiane]

smudged, I would refuse to send her

[JackandDiane]

Sorry to hear that NOtness

[TheCrumpettyTree]

As a children's nurse it's not something I understand having looked after children who have almost drowned. If my house had a pond it would get filled in.

[wizzywig]

We filled ours in. No way id not.