Paddling pools

Empty paddling pools, as soon as they have been used – the water from a paddling pool can be used to water the garden. Always turn paddling pools upside down once empty, so they do not collect water.

Buckets and water butts

Empty buckets as soon as you have finished using them and cover water butts.

Garden ponds

Put a grill on your pond. Install a strong mesh grill on top of ponds, it needs to be strong enough to support a child’s weight without dropping below the surface of the water.

Hot tubs

Ensure hot tubs are covered with a solid, lockable cover immediately after use to prevent children from climbing or falling in. If your hot tub doesn’t have a cover, or if the cover is broken, replace it promptly. Do not use the hot tub until it is safe. Replace this vital piece of safety equipment as soon as possible. Don’t fill or use your hot tub until you’ve replaced the cover.

Hot Tubs are not for Children - Children under five should not use a hot tub, so make sure yours is a child-free zone!

Hosepipes and hidden health risks

Did you know the humble hosepipe can present one of the health risks during warm weather. Hosepipes which are incorrectly fitted, or left submerged in places like ponds, watering cans or paddling pools and cause illness, this is because the dirty water can ‘backflow’ into the drinking water supply and has the potential to make you ill.

Also keep your hose somewhere cool and out of the sun before use, as direct sunlight can heat the water inside up to 54-60 degrees Celsius (130-140 degrees Fahrenheit). This is hot enough to cause severe burns, particularly, to children and animals. Let the water flow for a few minutes to cool before spraying on people and animals. 

Playing both inside and outside the home 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.

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.

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

Ensure garden gates are always locked. Install a strong mesh or grill that can support a child’s weight over ponds, water features, troughs, and water butts and rain barrels used to collect rainwater from rooftops for watering gardens.

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.