Make bodies of water safe for children
The Issue
In recent years, we have witnessed heartbreaking incidents where young children have lost their lives due to drowning in unprotected bodies of water. Among these tragic stories is that of precious Noah Wood, a child who loved life but was tragically drawn to the water. Such incidents are not isolated, and many children, particularly those with autism, who are more prone to wandering, face similar risks.
According to reports from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and the National Child Mortality Database:
Nearly 87% of reviewed child drowning cases identify preventable, modifiable factors for example having access to open water. For children with autism, the risk is even higher. According to Autism Speaks, children with autism are 160 times as likely to die from drowning compared to the general pediatric population.
Despite these alarming statistics, many bodies of water lack adequate safeguards that could prevent such tragedies. We call on lawmakers to implement a crucial safety measure: a law that mandates secure barriers or cctv around any accessible bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, pools, and irrigation canals. These barriers should be mandatory, with specifications conforming to safety standards that effectively prevent young children from unsupervised access.
This law should not only cover public spaces but also encourage private properties with water bodies to follow suit through incentives and awareness campaigns. Just like fencing around public pools, applying similar standards to all other bodies of water ensures an additional safety layer protecting our most vulnerable.
We urge concerned citizens, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to unite in pushing for this essential change. It’s more than a precaution—it’s a responsibility we have to protect our future generations. Implementing this law would provide a simple yet effective solution to prevent future tragedies and bring peace of mind to all parents.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the safety and preservation of our children’s lives. Let us transform our sorrow into action and ensure no other families endure the heartbreak of losing a child to preventable drowning. Please sign this petition and help us make this law a reality.
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The Issue
In recent years, we have witnessed heartbreaking incidents where young children have lost their lives due to drowning in unprotected bodies of water. Among these tragic stories is that of precious Noah Wood, a child who loved life but was tragically drawn to the water. Such incidents are not isolated, and many children, particularly those with autism, who are more prone to wandering, face similar risks.
According to reports from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and the National Child Mortality Database:
Nearly 87% of reviewed child drowning cases identify preventable, modifiable factors for example having access to open water. For children with autism, the risk is even higher. According to Autism Speaks, children with autism are 160 times as likely to die from drowning compared to the general pediatric population.
Despite these alarming statistics, many bodies of water lack adequate safeguards that could prevent such tragedies. We call on lawmakers to implement a crucial safety measure: a law that mandates secure barriers or cctv around any accessible bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, pools, and irrigation canals. These barriers should be mandatory, with specifications conforming to safety standards that effectively prevent young children from unsupervised access.
This law should not only cover public spaces but also encourage private properties with water bodies to follow suit through incentives and awareness campaigns. Just like fencing around public pools, applying similar standards to all other bodies of water ensures an additional safety layer protecting our most vulnerable.
We urge concerned citizens, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to unite in pushing for this essential change. It’s more than a precaution—it’s a responsibility we have to protect our future generations. Implementing this law would provide a simple yet effective solution to prevent future tragedies and bring peace of mind to all parents.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for the safety and preservation of our children’s lives. Let us transform our sorrow into action and ensure no other families endure the heartbreak of losing a child to preventable drowning. Please sign this petition and help us make this law a reality.
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Petition created on 16 September 2026