Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
New legislation for ponds to have safety measures to prevent access by children
Open for signatures
4,071 signatures
What the petition asks
Introduce legislation requiring all domestic garden ponds to have at least one appropriate safety measure in place to prevent accidental access by young children.
- This could include:
- Secure fencing or barriers
- Rigid pond covers or metal grids
- Raised or otherwise secured pond designs
- This could include:
- Secure fencing or barriers
- Rigid pond covers or metal grids
- Raised or otherwise secured pond designs
This petition is inspired by the loss of our 18 month old son, Harry. Since this happened, I have become increasingly aware of incidents involving children drowning in the UK.
Children are losing their lives in preventable pond accidents. While parents and carers do everything they can, it is common for toddlers to wander. Risks must be minimised.
Other countries have introduced safety laws for private water hazards.
We believe England should take steps to help prevent further tragedies.
Children are losing their lives in preventable pond accidents. While parents and carers do everything they can, it is common for toddlers to wander. Risks must be minimised.
Other countries have introduced safety laws for private water hazards.
We believe England should take steps to help prevent further tragedies.
Timeline
| 30 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
4,071
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
30 Apr 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.