The "Make your pond safe!" poster is produced by the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) Ltd. and is available to members. OATA members Members are reminded of our warning signs and notes previously circulated. The "Make your pond safe!" correx signs (20cm x 30cm) in red and black are available for £4 + VAT each (pictured above). Members may obtain free copies of the "Safer ponds" booklet (pictured below) to distribute to customers (subject to availability). OATA members are advised to distribute the "Safer ponds" booklet to their customers.

Ponds are a real source of pleasure in the garden - and young children find them fascinating.

But they can also be very dangerous as it does not take much water to drown a child. In fact a dozen children drown in gardens every year.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in the United Kingdom has produced a small booklet outlining the dangers and explaining how to make ponds safer by design. Emergency resuscitation is also detailed (see image below).

• Hands should be washed after immersion in ponds, and before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Young Children must ALWAYS be supervised when they are close to any open water - be it garden pond, swimming pool, river, stream or lake.
• Children under three years of age are at particular risk because they are still unsteady on their feet.
• Customers and prospective buyers should be encouraged to seek advice from an OATA approved dealer before making any decision regarding the installation of a pond so that expert advice can be given from the start.
• Shallow shelving or marshy edges can be incorporated into the design so that there is no easy access to deep water.
• Shrubs and plants can be used to make access to the pond difficult for youngsters.
• Grills can be manufactured to provide either temporary or permanent cover.

• Equipment should be installed by a competent electrician. The more complex the installation, the greater competence required.
• Where necessary waterproof unions, of the appropriate type should be used. OATA retailers may provide advice as requested.
• Cables and equipment should be checked regularly. Repairs or replacements should be carried out as soon as a fault is detected.
• Circuit breakers can provide life saving protection.
• All electrical items should be switched off if any maintenance or repair is undertaken.

• Pond treatments all carry labels giving detailed instruction on its' safe use and handling. When using pond treatments, the label should be carefully read and understood before proceeding. This will ensure that both you and your fish are safe.
• All chemicals should be kept out of the reach of young children at all times.

See also pond safety products.