The Hidden Dangers of Ponds: A Growing Threat to Child Safety

Ponds, lakes and other water features in residential communities provide a serene and peaceful setting to enjoy, but they also present an overlooked threat of drowning, especially for young children.

Patterns of Tragic Accidents Close to Home

Recent incidents from New York to Florida reveal a disturbing trend of child drownings in residential retention ponds. Despite posted warning signs, these tragedies can occur in a matter of seconds. 

In spite of a surge in child drownings reported by drowning prevention advocates in Florida retention ponds, these non-recreational bodies of water remain largely unregulated, unlike residential pools. Florida lawyer and water safety advocate Michael Haggard says that aesthetic considerations should never supersede child safety, pushing for mandatory fencing around all retention ponds.

Pond Risks for Children with Autism

Children with autism face a heightened risk of drowning due to their attraction to water and tendency to wander. In fact, the risk of drowning for children on the spectrum is 160 times greater than the general pediatric population, according to the National Autism Association. In September 2024, a 5-year-old boy with autism was found dead in a retention pond in Cypress, Texas, after being reported missing from his nearby home.

What Can Be Done?

The solution begins with making fencing and barriers around all water features in residential and community areas mandatory. As Haggard emphasizes, “Barriers and gates work. They absolutely prevent the drowning of small children.” Communities must prioritize these safety measures over aesthetic concerns, and parents need to advocate for stronger regulations.

While we advocate strongly for protective barriers, water safety education provides an important, additional layer of protection. Teaching children to wait for adult permission and supervision before approaching any body of water is crucial messaging that must start early. Though retention ponds are never meant for swimming, basic water safety skills learned through swimming lessons—like floating and staying calm in water—can make a critical difference in case of an emergency. This is particularly important given that retention ponds often have steep drops rather than a gradual slope.

Together, let’s raise awareness of these commonplace, residential hazards and push local officials to implement essential safety improvements in communities.