Few very things add natural charm to a home backyard than a pond or a natural swimming pool. Ponds are charming and functional, and there is a wealth of activities you can do because of the presence of the pond in your backyard—from swimming to fishing to just enjoying its beauty.

But, of course, there are also some inherent dangers to having a backyard pond. For instance, there is a risk of drowning if the pond is deep enough and if not everyone in your household can swim—particularly the children.

Of course, there are ways to keep the kids safe and enjoy the pond at the same time. For one, there are garden pond covers that can be used to keep kids safe. Here are some other tips:

pond covers: Naturally, a pond cover is on top of the list of ways to ensure pond safety. Metal grid covers are installed a few millimeters or inches below the water, so you wouldn’t worry about people falling into the water when they accidentally water on the pond.

Mesh nets: This is an alternative to the metal grid covers. Mesh nets may not be strong enough to support heavy weight, but it provides some protection and can serve as a visual warning to be careful around the pond.

Fence: Consider adding a fence to the supporting area of the backyard pond to block off access to it. Fences can be both functional and attractive, using the right materials and designs.

Barrier: Building a natural fence or barrier around the pond can be incorporated into the design of your backyard. Materials usually used for natural barriers include rocks or hedges.

Signage: If installing a fence or pond covers isn’t possible, put up signage to warn people about the backyard pond. This may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the other options, but it is definitely practical.

Alternative designs: If you’re building a backyard pond on your property, consider choosing designs that are child-friendly—such as raised ponds or an indoor waterfall. These water features pose fewer risks to your kids, though they may not exactly be the aesthetic you’re going for. In this case, consider installing a backyard pond with garden pond covers as part of its overall design.

Alarm: Putting an alarm near the pond area—so you will be alerted if your kids are in the backyard pond—is also an option if you have very active children at home. Many households install alarms with pond covers for an extra layer of attention.

Preparation: The best way to prevent a problem is to prepare for you. Teach or inform your kids what to do and what not to do around the pond. If it’s a deep pond, consider investing in swimming lessons—learning how to swim is generally useful, anyway!

Usage: It’s a pond, so why not use it? Instead of putting fishes in it, why not turn it into a swimming pond, which will make it easier for your children to know how to move and be careful around it. (You can still install mesh pond covers in it for protection during times when it is not in use)