General Chat

I know you have to watch small children like a hawk if people have a pond in their garden, to make sure they don't fall in.
What is a "safe" age for children when you don't have to worry anymore about them falling in and coming to harm?
Would be interested in peoples views about this.

My daughter Megan had a friend Jimmy, when they were both 5 y/o, Jimmy's g/mo lived next-door-but-one and we saw him regularly. One weekend he visited his other grandparents at their home in the country. He was running around, disappeared and eventually found in the pond. He could swim basically, so it was a mystery as to why he hadn't called for help. Autopsy showed he had a cardiac arrest - possibly caused by sudden jump into very cold water. No history of heart probs - He did not drown.
So please, people, watch the children, there are other reasons than drowning for a child to get into trouble in the water. I've often thought I'd like a goldfish pond in the garden, but won't take a chance with my grandson .
Wishing a safe summer to all our precious children.
mary

Thanks very much to Joan, Havoc and Mary for your input about ponds.
It's really important to be viligant and your views have helped me make my mind up about ponds in gardens.

Jan