Every year, families experience preventable tragedies involving garden ponds, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessible water hazards in domestic settings.
Despite the risks, there is currently no specific UK legislation requiring mandatory safety measures such as secure fencing, lockable gates, or protective covers around these water structures in private homes.

In August 2010, my beautiful son Jack tragically drowned in our garden pond. He was just 23 months old.

Since losing Jack, I have spent years raising awareness about the hidden dangers of ponds and other water features around the home, hoping no other family would endure the heartbreak we live with every day. Sadly, children are still drowning in preventable accidents.

Young children are naturally curious. It only takes a moment for a tragedy to happen.

I am calling for a review of UK laws and safety guidance surrounding domestic ponds, swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and any accessible water structure in gardens where children may live or visit.

I believe there should be:
• Mandatory safety measures such as fencing, secure gates, covers, or barriers around high-risk water features
• Stronger national safety guidance for homeowners creating ponds or pools
• Consideration of planning or safety requirements before certain water structures are installed
• Clear public awareness information provided when ponds, pools, or spas are built or sold

Countries including Australia and parts of Europe already have stricter laws requiring protective barriers around domestic swimming pools and spas to help prevent child drownings. The UK should explore similar protections.

At present, it is often easier to build a pond than it is to understand the safety risks that come with it. We can and must do better to protect children.

This petition is not about blame. It is about prevention, awareness, and saving lives.

I cannot change what happened to Jack, but together we may be able to prevent another family experiencing the devastating loss of a child.

Please sign and support a review of the law to help make gardens safer for children.