Pond Safety

Montgomery County Code (Section 36-3) requires that a person who owns or controls land that includes a publically accessible pond must post warning signs around the pond and at any major approach to the pond, such as a path.   It is the purpose of this regulation to establish standards for warning signs, including the size, message, construction, placement and maintenance.

Standards for Warning Signs

  Placement

• Warning signs must be posted on all sides of a publically accessible pond and at any major approach to the pond, such as a path.
  
• Warning signs may be posted either in the pond or on the shore.
  
• Warning signs must be visible from shore and not obscured by vegetation or other obstructions.
  
• Warning signs at golf courses may be posted at the main entrance to the golf course rather than at each pond.
  

  Size

• Warning signs must be at least 18 inches high by 24 inches wide.
  
• Lettering on warning signs must be at least 2 inches high and any graphics must be large enough to be clearly seen.
  

  Construction

• Warning signs must be made of a weather-resistant material such as metal, pressure-treated wood, plastic, and other approved equivalent.
  
• All lettering, graphics, and the surface of the sign must be composed of a weather-resistant material.
  
• The sign must be securely anchored.
  

  Message

• The warning sign must, at a minimum, warn that entering the water to swim, skate, or boat is unsafe.  The sign may use the international symbols for prohibited activities.
  
• The sign must provide a legible written message and appropriate graphics.  An example of acceptable signs is attached and incorporated in this regulation. 
  

  Maintenance

• Warning signs required under Chapter 36 must be maintained in good condition by the person who owns or controls land that includes a publically accessible pond.

 Definition

• A publically accessible pond is defined as a water impoundment that:
• Retains a permanent pool more than 24 inches deep and 20 feet across at its widest point,
• Is not a swimming pool as defined in Chapter 51 of the Montgomery County Code, and
• Is not surrounded by a continuous, permanent fence or barrier (at least four feet high with no opening wider than two inches) within 100 feet of the shoreline.

Warning Sign Example