Drowning

Baby bath seats may appear helpful, but they can create a false sense of security. A bath seat is designed to support your baby; it is not a safety device. If you use a bath seat, you must still supervise your child continuously and remain within arm’s reach. When using a bath seat: 

Always:

• Use bath seats as a support aid, not as safety equipment
• Keep your child within arm's reach.

Never:

• Leave a baby or toddler alone in a bath seat. 

For more information on bath seats, please visit RoSPA baby bath seats. 

Garden ponds can be attractive features and valuable for wildlife, but they can present a serious drowning risk to young children. If young children live in or regularly visit your home, consider restricting access to ponds until they are old enough to understand water safety.

Grille it!

• Install a rigid metal grille over the pond surface to help prevent access to water
• Regularly inspect the grille to ensure it remains secure and in good condition.

Fence it!

If fencing is used it should:

• Be at least 1.1m high
• Have self-closing, self latching or lockable gates where appropriate
• Be maintained in good condition. 

Fill it!

Consider temporarily converting the pond into an alternative feature, such as a:

• Flower bed
• Sensory garden
• Sandpit

For more information, visit RoSPA - Pond safety

Paddling pools and hot tubs can be enjoyable for families, but they can also pose a drowning risk to young children. Children should always be supervised closely whenever they are in or near water, regardless of depth. 

Always:

• Stay with children when they are in or near ponds, paddling pools, hot tubs or other outdoor water
• Empty paddling pools immediately after use
• Store paddling pools upside down so they cannot collect rainwater
• Use a secure, lockable cover when the hot tub is not in use.
• Keep steps, covers, controls and treatment chemicals out of children's reach.
• Check your garden after heavy rain, as buckets, toys, plant pots, and other containers can quickly fill with water.

Never:

• • Leave children unattended when in or near water.
  • Assume a cover, barrier, or flotation aid removes the need for supervision.

Remember:

When visiting other homes or gardens, look for water risks before children start to play. 

For more information on hot tubs, visit RoSPA Hot tub safety and for more on garden safety, visit RoSPA garden safety