As a parent of two autistic children, I live in constant anxiety about their safety around water. My children are naturally drawn to water and have difficulty understanding the dangers associated with it. Unfortunately, my story is not unique. Across The Uk too many families have faced the unimaginable loss of a child due to drowning in open public waters like lakes, ponds, and canals.

Each year, approximately 35 children drown in Uk. with a significant portion of these tragedies occurring in unsupervised, open bodies of water. Sadly, children are disproportionately affected, especially those with disabilities who may not perceive the threats as most do.

To mitigate this risk, it is crucial that local and authorities implement mandatory requirements for gates and fencing around all open public waters. Just as pools are legally required to have barriers to prevent accidental drownings, so too should publicly accessible natural waters, especially in areas where children often play.

These barriers would not only protect children with autism and other disabilities but also safeguard all children who are naturally curious about their surroundings. Fencing and gating such areas offers an immediate, practical solution that can save lives.

In addition to safeguarding measures, it’s necessary to educate the public. Signage around such water bodies can raise awareness about the unseen dangers and remind parents and guardians to stay vigilant.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a simple yet effective solution that can prevent future tragedies. Let's urge policymakers to take immediate actions to create safer public spaces for our children. Together, we can compel the government to prioritize children's safety by mandating fencing and gating around all open public water areas.

Please sign this petition to make a difference and protect our children from the dangers of unsupervised open waters.