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Home » Risk Assessment Templates » Forest Schools » Pond Dipping Activity

Pond Dipping Risk Assessment Template

Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for pond dipping in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.

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What this covers.

This template focuses on typical risks and controls for pond dipping in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.

Potential benefits

Develops careful handling and ethical sampling techniques around wildlife.
Introduces scientific observation through identification of pond organisms.
Teaches ecosystem concepts including predator/prey, habitats, and food chains.
Links seasonal change and water quality to visible life cycles.
Fosters curiosity and appreciation for freshwater biodiversity.

Typical hazards & measures

Debris or litter in water — Pond checked for rubbish or sharp objects before session. Any found is removed by adults wearing gloves. Children warned not to touch anything unknown or shiny.
Tick bites — Children wear long sleeves and tuck trousers into socks. After the session, children perform tick checks with staff guidance. Staff trained in tick removal and response to symptoms. Session cancelled in high-risk tick areas.
Insect bites or stings — Area checked for wasp nests or ant hills before session. Children wear long sleeves and avoid disturbing insects. Adults carry bite cream and epi-pens if required. First aid procedures discussed with all staff.
Allergic reactions — Medical needs recorded in advance. Staff trained in identifying allergic reactions and using epi-pens. Allergy plans shared before each session. Avoid known allergens like pollen-heavy plants if at-risk students are present.
Interference from public or animals — Staff remain aware of nearby paths or open access. Children told not to engage with dogs or other groups. A designated adult assigned to monitor boundary areas.

How to use this template

Click Create Risk Assessment: Pond Dipping to begin immediately.
Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.

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Select benefits

Select the benefits that apply - you can edit, remove, or add new ones during the wizard.

Select the hazards that apply - you can edit, remove, or add new ones during the wizard.

Select benefits

Develops careful handling and ethical sampling techniques around wildlife. Fosters curiosity and appreciation for freshwater biodiversity. Introduces scientific observation through identification of pond organisms. Links seasonal change and water quality to visible life cycles. Promotes inquiry-based learning through direct observation and questioning. Teaches ecosystem concepts including predator/prey, habitats, and food chains.

Select hazards

Allergic reactions Medical needs recorded in advance. Staff trained in identifying allergic reactions and using epi-pens. Allergy plans shared before each session. Avoid known allergens like pollen-heavy plants if at-risk students are present. Boisterous behaviour near water Clear expectations set at start. No pushing, running or loud shouting near the pond. Adults intervene immediately if unsafe behaviour seen. Natural consequences (pause in activity) used for learning. Cold exposure or wet clothing Children instructed to wear waterproof layers and spare clothes brought. Seating area kept dry and sheltered. Warm drinks or hand warmers available if needed. Session paused if children become visibly cold or uncomfortable. Debris or litter in water Pond checked for rubbish or sharp objects before session. Any found is removed by adults wearing gloves. Children warned not to touch anything unknown or shiny. Disturbing or harming wildlife Children taught to handle pond life gently and return it promptly. No dipping in nesting or high-activity areas. Magnifying pots and ID sheets used for minimal contact. Wildlife care modeled by staff. Drowning during rescue attempt Adults remain the only ones to intervene in emergencies. Throw rope stored within arm’s reach. Children taught to call for help and step back if someone falls in. Emergency procedures clearly shared with staff. Electrical items near water Any electronics (e.g. microscopes) kept on dry, stable surfaces far from pond edge. Hands dried fully before handling. Electrical cords kept out of path zones. Falling into water Boundaries marked with rope, cones, or pegs. Adults positioned between children and water. Children taught safe body position for dipping. Emergency throw rope kept within reach. Session paused if safety rules are not followed. Footing hazards near pond edge Inspect and mark uneven, sharp, or slippery surfaces before sessions. Provide guidance on safe, gripped footwear. Position equipment in designated zones away from walkways. Maintain active supervision to reinforce slow, careful movement near the water. Improper equipment use Children taught correct technique for each tool. Equipment labelled and checked each session. Broken or misused items removed immediately. Children modelled safe use by staff. Insect bites or stings Area checked for wasp nests or ant hills before session. Children wear long sleeves and avoid disturbing insects. Adults carry bite cream and epi-pens if required. First aid procedures discussed with all staff. Interference from public or animals Staff remain aware of nearby paths or open access. Children told not to engage with dogs or other groups. A designated adult assigned to monitor boundary areas. Lack of supervision Correct adult-to-child ratios maintained. All areas within line of sight. Staff briefed before session and assigned to zones. Children never left unattended at pond edge. Muscle strain from awkward posture Children guided to sit or kneel comfortably while dipping. Rotate roles regularly to reduce time spent in one position. Lightweight tools used to avoid overexertion. Over-reaching toward water Children shown safe kneeling or squatting positions. Dipping only allowed at marked zones with adult presence. Poles kept short enough to prevent leaning. Children removed from edge if unsafe posture is used repeatedly. Overcrowding at pond edge Limit of 3–4 children per dipping station enforced. Rotations set by timer or whistle. Adults manage group flow. Extra activities provided to keep waiting children engaged. Poor lighting or visibility Sessions only run in daylight or well-lit conditions. No pond dipping in twilight. If vision compromised, session moved or ended. Sharp tools or net poles All nets checked before use for cracks or splinters. Children shown how to hold nets with space between each other. Nets stored safely when not in use. Carrying and dipping techniques clearly demonstrated at the start. Straying from boundaries Clear physical boundaries laid out with cones, flags or tape. Children told not to leave set area. Buddy system used. Staff positioned around perimeter for full visibility. Students with additional needs Staff made aware of individual needs in advance. 1:1 support provided where needed. Instructions given visually and verbally. Activity adapted to be sensory-friendly if required. Staff monitor regulation and offer breaks without stigma. Sun glare on water Staff monitor light levels and change direction of approach if needed. Hats with peaks encouraged. Shade options provided if glare is affecting visibility. Sunburn or overheating Children wear hats and sunscreen. Sessions scheduled in shaded areas or earlier parts of the day. Drinking water provided. Regular rest breaks encouraged in warm weather. Staff monitor for signs of fatigue. Tick bites Children wear long sleeves and tuck trousers into socks. After the session, children perform tick checks with staff guidance. Staff trained in tick removal and response to symptoms. Session cancelled in high-risk tick areas. Unsafe or contaminated water Pre-session water checks for algae, odour, and clarity. Prohibit ingestion of pond/river water. Compulsory handwashing after activity. Waterproof coverings for any cuts. Cancel or relocate session if water is unsafe. Use the situation to discuss water safety and ecology with participants. Vegetation contact hazards Trim or clearly mark low branches. Guide children away from dense or overhanging vegetation. Tie back long hair. Maintain clear, obstacle-free dipping zones for safe access and movement.

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