As a pond owner or someone considering building a pond, please be aware of local codes, restrictions and laws in your area concerning ponds. Children love ponds. In this day and age, with the onslaught of play station, television and computers, anything that can direct a child to the appreciation of nature is great! Where a pond can be a wondrous tool in teaching a child some of the wonders of life, it can also be very hazardous. A toddler can drown in just a few inches of water. Never leave a child unattended by the pond, and a safe way to avoid a tragic situation is to build your pond behind a private fence with a locked gate. If the bigger, more mischievous kids really want to play in your pond, (all kids love to throw things in ponds, for some reason) they might find a way. But make sure you child-proof your yard to protect the little ones.