How can I create a child safe water garden?

I had my pond for 4 years now . Ihave 2 grand children now  ages 2.5 and 3 months.  The first thing I did was to spring load the gates to my back yard where the pond is as I live in an area with lots of smaller kids ,like you would for a pool . My pond is 5 feet deep. So as you can see could a problem. My grandchildern live with us so when Katrina Started Walking I got her involved in feeding the fish. It is something we do together and she waites for me to get home everyday so as we go feed the fish. To make it safer I made an area where she can sit and though the food out while I stand there with her. I sound like a broken record some times buy I keep reminding everyone how deep the pond is and keeps them alert.

Unquestionably, when you have children, their safety is of the utmost importance.  And while not every accident can be prevented, there are many ways to increase your pond’s safety.  Start by having a foot high shelf around the edges of the pond in order to give the child an easy way to get out should they fall in.  Check to see if the rocks that are surrounding the pond are slippery and that the fountains are made with safety in mind.  Taking the time to check the edges of the pond for slippery or weak areas will help to prevent accidents.  Children can drown in only a few inches of water, so supervision is always the first priority, but taking the time to plan out physical barriers can also prevent accidents.

Garth Epp Publisher, BuildingMyPond.com