Playing outside is an integral part of a child’s development, but it’s important that children do so safely, especially around water. Whilst lots of fun can be had with water in the home and garden, easy access to water in familiar spaces can sometimes make it easy to forget the risks it poses.

As shown in the 2024 RLSS UK Child Drowning Update, 1 in 3 children who drowned at home did so in places like paddling pools, hot tubs, and ponds.*

Almost 9 in 10 parents (89%) with young children have access to water in their outdoor areas**, so it’s important to remember the water safety advice on this webpage so your child can enjoy water safely when playing outside at home.

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Garden Water Safety Tips:

Supervise at all times

Always keep your child within arm's reach when they’re in or near water. A drowning child can’t speak or control their arms, so constant supervision from an adult is vital. Worryingly, almost 1 in 4 (24%) parents believe it is okay to leave a child on their own in water if they are wearing arm bands or a swim vest.** Never leave your child unattended or under the supervision of child siblings, as they're too young to understand the dangers.

After use cover it 

After your child has enjoyed splashing about in their paddling pool, empty the water straight away to avoid accidents. For larger pools and hot tubs, ensure that the cover is securely replaced immediately after use to prevent children from accidentally falling in when exploring. 

Fence it, gate it, or grill it 

If you have a pond or paddling pool, ensure the area is secure. Always lock back doors and garden gates when unsupervised to restrict access. Install a robust mesh or grill over ponds that can support a child's weight to prevent falls. Alternatively, fill in the pond until your child is older. Keep fencing at least 4ft high and ensure it is secure to prevent children from reaching water in your garden or near your home.

Empty it, turn it

When the fun has stopped, it’s best to clear up your space straight away. Turn off the hosepipe at the tap to prevent young children from accessing it and turn over paddling pools to prevent them from being accidentally refilled if it rains. Clear away or turn over any other water containers, such as buckets and containers, in your garden, as they can also be pose a hazard.  

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Help us save lives by sharing these garden water safety tips:

• Share this webpage on your social media accounts and with your family and friends.
• Download our free resources and display them within your local communities and online.
• Sign up for a Save a Life workshop to learn CPR that could save the important people in your life if they get into trouble.
• About RLSS UK’s Splash Safely at Home campaign
  
  

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Learn more about Splash Safely at Home:

• Splash Safely in the Bath
• Splash Safely using Bath Seats
• Splash Safely around Hot Tubs
  
  

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Always follow the Water Safety Code:

Learn more about The Water Safety Code

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"The Family Grapevine magazine is very happy to support the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Spring Splash Safely at Home campaign. So many of our readers have young children, and with 2 in 5 children who drown at home being under 5, it's more important than ever that we help raise awareness of water safety at home."

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*Source: RLSS UK Child Drowning Update (September 2024)
**Source: RLSS UK consumer survey of parents of children under five years from across the UK (September 2024).