Take care of children in the garden

You can help to prevent accidents by following sone simple safety advice.

Making ponds safe

• It is possible for a child to drown in as little as 2 inches of water, so even shallow water is dangerous
• Ideally, garden ponds should be drained and filled with sand to make a sand pit until the child is older
• If filling your pond is not possible then a cover should be made. Every care should be taken to ensure the cover is child-resistant.
• Or a strong, solid fence should be built around the pond

Paddling pools

• Always supervise young children. For example, if the phone rings, take your children with you.
• Turn paddling pools upside down when not in use or store away from children.

Gardening Equipment

• Keep your tools away from children, unplug electrical equipment and make sure children are indoors when you mow the lawn
• Children can down in rainwater that has collected in buckets, wheelbarrow, paddling pool or uncovered dustbins. Prevent this by turning all containers upside down.
• Keep chemicals out of reach, many caps are child-resistant but not completely child-proof.

Other people's gardens

• 80% of drowning incidents happen in someone else's garden. Do not assume that a friend's garden is safe until you have checked it in person.
• Check your hedges and fences - could your child climb through and find a neighbour's pond?

Sheds and play equipment

• Swings and climbing frames should be securely fixed and checked regularly for safety
• Do not place play equipment on hard surfaces, or near ponds or greenhouses.
• Make sure washing line is well above children's heads and well away from all play equipment.

Paths

• Broken or uneven pathways cause thousands of accidents each year. It is a good idea to keep them well maintained, free of debris and clean.
• Make sure that there are no garden stakes or sharp objects to fall onto.

Poisonous plants

• Know which plants in your garden are dangerous and ideally remove them. You can check on Shoot whether there is a toxic risk for your plants
• If you think someone has swallowed a poisonous plant dial 999 immediately and request an amulance. Keep the casualty still, try to identify the plant and keep a sample.

Barbecues

• Never leave them unattended
• Burns should be flooded with cold water for at least 10 minutes. If water is not avaiable use any harmless cold liquid such as milk or lemonade.
• Gently remove any restrictive jewellery or clothing before the injured area begins to swell
• Cover with a sterile dressing or any clean, non-fluffy material and bandage loosely.
• Seek medical advice if you are unsure about the severity of any burn.