About those small black garden ponds. A warning.

[Goodheart]

The popular plastic ones... shovel a small hole and insert into ground, or just set it on the ground and stack some rocks on the side. Well...

This is my public service announcement for the year.

Yesterday we experienced the biggest tragedy that has ever befallen our family. My nephew, less than a year old, crawled up to one, climbed in, and drowned.

It was a freak occurrence all the way around. Apparently the dog, of all things, opened the back door and he crawled out behind him.

Such a sweet angel of a boy, too.

Not really seeking pity here... just so very shocked (and, to be honest, angry at the world right now) that I had to get the warning off my chest or I'll scream.

[shraby]

1. When I was about 11, we moved to where my father was working so we were living at a motel

and the people who owned the place had their child drown in a mud puddle. It had fallen down in it and the child was so scared, it couldn't get back up.

I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew. An accident like that is a horrid event for any family. My heart goes out to you and yours.

[Goodheart]

3. The pond really wasn't that deep.

Even on all fours it seems he should have been able to keep his head up out of the water and cry for help. They're doing an autopsy... maybe he hit his head or something when he fell in.

I guess the other part of my service announcement would be to keep your small child within your sight AT ALL TIMES.

[TuxedoKat]

2. I'm sorry

Words fail me. Thank you for sharing such a painful post to help others. Again, so sorry for the loss of your beloved nephew.

[MissB]

4. Oh I'm so sorry!

such a tragedy

[virgogal]

5. I am so sorry,what an absolute nightmare for the family.

[FM123]

6. I am so sorry about your baby nephew

[sweetroxie]

7. Oh! That's so awful!

I'm really sorry. Just tragic.

[3catwoman3]

8. How wrenchingly sad.

Your advice is so very true - "I guess the other part of my service announcement would be to keep your small child within your sight AT ALL TIMES."

When I am doing well child visits for young kids, I always, always say "Constant watchfulness around any body of water, no matter how small. " My other every time caution is, "Toddlers and preschoolers are fast, curious, and have no judgment. It's a dangerous combination."

When I first started at the pediatric office where I have been for 22 years, there was a family whose 4 yr old son drowned in a hotel pool. Mom thought dad was watching him. Dad thought mom was watching him. No one was watching him.

[Goodheart]

13. His mother fell asleep on the sofa with my nephew sleeping on her chest.

She works nights.... she had come home and was spending time with him before getting her bed sleep. Just all around terrible... a perfect storm.

[dawg day]

26. That's so sad

It's very easy for the rest of us to make judgments.

Truth is, every parent - if they're honest-- has some moment when only good fortune kept them from a tragedy.

I was reading a book-- avidly-- when one of my sons crawled away from my side, squeezed through a gap in the fence, and slid down into the stream at the bottom of the garden. When I looked up, I saw him there, dangling his little feet in the water.

I was a good mother. I just wasn't completely focused 24/7. (plus, sigh, I am/was a READER-- the "descend into the book" type.)

Please hug the mom for me. We should never judge. We all got away with screwups... sometimes, our luck is out.
And toddlers are just so curious-- if there's a danger, they'll find it.

[Goodheart]

27. I'm going to share your post with her. After I give her that hug.

Thank you for sharing that.

[Historic NY]

9. OMG I'm sorry for your loss............

[d_r]

10. I am so sorry

[LuckyCharms]

11. Oh no. I'm very sorry to hear this.

I wish I had words of comfort, but I'm not sure what to say. I hope you feel free to let your feelings out either here or with others that you trust.

[RandomAccess]

12. What a terrible tragedy

And of course you're angry -- that's one of the steps of grief.

Hope your family heals quickly. I can't imagine what the parents are going through -- my heart goes out to them.

[Sherman A1]

14. My condolences for your tragic loss

I hope that everyone involved is able to find peace during this difficult time.

[ailsagirl]

15. Your warning is much appreciated

And I am so very sorry

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

16. I'm so sorry!

I have one of those little ponds. The yard is fenced and there aren't any small kids around but it wouldn't have occurred to me that it could be a hazard for kids at all. I do have a couple of young nephews so if they ever visit I'll keep that in mind.

My condolences to you and your family.

[Goodheart]

18. I've been to their house several times, and it never occurred to me, either.

Happened yesterday, and hasn't yet hit the local paper... which I find puzzling. Will share the location later if that seems appropriate.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

19. Yeah, I have a couple friends with those ponds.

It never occurred to me either.

A friend on mine’s parents have a pool. When smy friend visits she is on pins and needles. They installed all the locks and safeguards. She watches the kid like a hawk.

It would be easy to neglect worrying about a Koi pond.

[rurallib]

17. at the end of my block on the corner is one those 3' pools

right by the street next to the sidewalk with no fence, no cover, no nothing to stop a child from crawling in and drowning.

We have been very busy, but I will make sure to call my council member tomorrow about it.

So very sorry for your loss. Maybe your warning will save others. Thank you.

[onethatcares]

20. nothing I can say.

If you need to talk to an anonimous person on the interwebs, I am available.......

years ago a close friends son drown in a diaper bucket. I still remember their pain.

[a kennedy]

21. OMG Goodheart........I'm sooooooooooo sorry.

[yardwork]

22. I am so very sorry.

[LeftInTX]

23. OMG......I am sooo sorry

His parents must be totally devastated....I can't imagine. Less than a year old.....

[Niagara]

24. I'm sorry to hear about your family's tragedy

It's also imperative to anchor furniture and tv's around young explorer's.

http://www.meghanshope.org stresses the importance of securing furniture and tv's.

I encourage any parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents on DU to read Meghan's Hope website.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss

[Goodheart]

25. Thanks, everybody.

And especially for that helpful link.

[Niagara]

28. You're very welcome

We are sharing in your sadness and we are here for support.

[Demovictory9]

29. omg

[Omaha Steve]

30. K&R!