If you're responsible for a lake, pond, reservoir, canal or another waterside location, choosing the correct warning signs is an important part of communicating potential hazards.

Two common options are Deep Water Signs and Danger of Drowning Signs.

At first glance, they may appear to communicate the same message. Both warn people about risks associated with water, and both may be used around lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.

However, there is an important difference.

A Deep Water Sign warns about a particular condition: water that is deep enough to present a hazard.

A Danger of Drowning Sign communicates the potentially fatal risk of drowning, which can exist in deep or shallow water.

So which sign should you choose for your location?

This guide explains the differences, where each warning may be appropriate and what to consider before buying water safety signs.

What Is a Deep Water Warning Sign?

A Deep Water Sign alerts people to a hazard associated with the depth of water.

It may be appropriate where water is deeper than expected, where depth changes significantly or where the water depth presents a relevant risk.

Deep Water Signs can help people recognise a hazard before approaching or entering the water.

Where Are Deep Water Signs Used?

Depending on the location and its risks, they may be suitable for:

• Lakes.

• Reservoirs.

• Ponds.

• Canals.

• Flooded excavations.

• Industrial water features.

• Other areas containing deep water.

For example, a managed fishing lake may have sections where the water becomes deep close to the bank.

A Deep Water Sign could help communicate that hazard to people approaching the edge.

When Should You Choose a Deep Water Sign?

Consider a Deep Water Sign when water depth is a key part of the hazard.

This may include locations where:

• Water is unexpectedly deep.

• Depth increases sharply.

• People may misjudge the depth.

• Deep water is close to a public footpath or access point.

The sign should accurately describe the conditions.

Buying tip: Don't assume every pond or lake requires a Deep Water Sign simply because it contains water. Assess the actual hazards and likely access routes.

What Is a Danger of Drowning Sign?

A Danger of Drowning Sign warns people that there is a risk of drowning.

Unlike a Deep Water Sign, it does not focus specifically on water depth.

Drowning can occur in shallow water as well as deep water.

The risk may be increased by factors such as:

• Unexpected entry or falls into water.

• Steep or slippery banks.

• Strong currents.

• Cold water.

• Difficult exit points.

• Poor visibility.

• Sudden changes in water depth.

A Danger of Drowning Sign communicates the broader consequence rather than one particular water condition.

Where Are Danger of Drowning Signs Used?

Depending on the circumstances, they may be appropriate for:

• Lakes and reservoirs.

• Ponds with difficult access or exit.

• Canals and waterways.

• Industrial lagoons.

• Water treatment facilities.

• Flooded excavations.

• Other locations presenting an identified drowning risk.

When Should You Choose a Danger of Drowning Sign?

Consider this warning where the risk of drowning is the main message people need to understand.

For example, an industrial lagoon may have steep sides that make it difficult for someone to climb out after falling in.

A Danger of Drowning Sign may communicate the risk more directly than a general Deep Water warning.

Deep Water vs Danger of Drowning Signs: Key Differences

The main difference is what the sign tells the reader.

A Deep Water Sign identifies a condition.

A Danger of Drowning Sign identifies a serious risk.

Neither is automatically the correct choice for every waterside location.

Which Sign Should You Use Around a Lake?

Lakes vary considerably in size, depth, access arrangements and use.

A private fishing lake may present different risks from a reservoir, ornamental lake or industrial lagoon.

Deep Fishing Lakes

Where deep water is a significant hazard, a Deep Water Sign may be appropriate.

If people can approach steep banks or areas where falling into the water presents a serious drowning risk, a Danger of Drowning Sign may also be relevant.

Lakes with Sudden Drop-Offs

Where the water becomes deep unexpectedly, a warning about deep water or a sudden drop may communicate the particular hazard.

Lakes Where Swimming Is Prohibited

If swimming is not permitted, a No Swimming Sign communicates that restriction.

A Deep Water or Danger of Drowning Sign does not automatically tell people that swimming is prohibited.

Depending on the circumstances, both a warning and a prohibition may be appropriate.

Lakes with Multiple Access Points

Larger lakes may have several entrances, footpaths or fishing positions.

Consider whether warnings need to be visible at more than one approach.

Buying tip: Walk the normal access routes before deciding which signs and quantities to order.

Which Sign Is Best for a Pond?

Ponds may be found on farms, private estates, commercial premises, schools and residential developments.

The appropriate signage depends on the pond's characteristics and the people who may approach it.

Deep Ponds

A Deep Water Sign may be suitable where water depth presents a relevant hazard.

Ponds with Steep or Slippery Banks

A Danger of Drowning Sign may be more appropriate where falling into the water and being unable to exit are significant risks.

Shallow Ponds

A shallow pond can still present a drowning hazard.

However, a Deep Water Sign would be misleading if the water is not deep.

Ornamental Ponds

Consider the actual risks, access arrangements and whether warning signs are a proportionate measure.

Not every small ornamental pond requires the same signage as a large lake.

Deep Water Signs for Reservoirs & Canals

Reservoirs and canals may have hazards that differ from those associated with small ponds.

Reservoirs

Reservoirs may contain deep water, steep edges, cold water and other hazards.

Depending on the location, suitable signs may include:

• Deep Water.

• Danger of Drowning.

• No Swimming.

• Other relevant warnings or restrictions.

Canals

Canals may present drowning risks associated with steep banks, difficult exit points and other site-specific conditions.

A Danger of Drowning Sign may be appropriate where the overall risk is the main concern.

A Deep Water Sign should be used where depth is genuinely relevant.

What About Strong Currents?

Where moving water presents a significant hazard, a Strong Currents or Fast Flowing Water Sign may communicate that risk more specifically.

For example, a location near a weir may need a warning about moving water rather than simply displaying a Deep Water Sign.

Do You Need Both Deep Water & Danger of Drowning Signs?

Sometimes both messages may be relevant.

However, displaying multiple signs is not automatically better.

Too many notices can make important warnings harder to recognise.

Before ordering, ask:

1. What is the actual hazard?

2. What does the person approaching the water need to know?

3. Is water depth the main concern?

4. Is the broader drowning risk more important?

5. Would one clear sign communicate the risk effectively?

6. Are additional restrictions, such as No Swimming, necessary?

Where several hazards need to be communicated, select a combination that remains clear and easy to understand.

Deep Water Signs vs No Swimming Signs

Another common purchasing mistake is confusing hazard warnings with prohibition signs.

A Deep Water Sign warns about water depth.

A Danger of Drowning Sign warns about drowning risk.

A No Swimming Sign communicates that swimming is prohibited.

These messages are not interchangeable.

For example, a private lake where swimming is prohibited may need a No Swimming notice.

If the lake also presents an identified drowning hazard, a suitable warning may be appropriate.

The correct combination depends on the site.

Where Should Deep Water & Drowning Warning Signs Be Positioned?

A suitable sign should be visible before someone encounters the hazard.

Common locations to consider include:

• Waterside access points.

• Gates and entrances.

• Footpaths approaching water.

• Fishing platforms and access areas.

• Relevant approaches to steep banks.

• Areas where water depth changes unexpectedly.

• Other identified hazard points.

Consider the Direction of Approach

People should be able to recognise the warning as they approach the water.

A sign positioned where it can only be seen after someone reaches the hazard may be less effective.

Check for Obstructions

Avoid placing signs where they could be hidden by:

• Vegetation.

• Fencing.

• Parked vehicles.

• Other notices.

• Seasonal changes in the surroundings.

Consider Multiple Approaches

A large lake or reservoir may have several routes leading to the water.

Review each relevant approach rather than assuming one sign at the main entrance will be sufficient.

Choose a Suitable Viewing Distance

A warning beside a narrow footpath may be viewed from close range.

A sign at a larger entrance or open waterside area may need to be recognised from further away.

The size and position should reflect how people will encounter it.

What Size Water Safety Sign Should You Buy?

The correct sign size depends on the location and viewing distance.

Smaller Signs

May be suitable for close-range locations where space is limited.

Medium Signs

May be appropriate for gates, fences, footpaths and other common access points.

Larger Signs

May be useful where a warning needs to be recognised from a greater distance.

Factors to Consider

• Viewing distance.

• Mounting height.

• Available space.

• Lighting conditions.

• Vegetation and other obstructions.

• Symbol and wording legibility.

There is no universal sign size suitable for every lake, pond or reservoir.

Choosing the Right Material for Outdoor Water Safety Signs

Water safety signs are frequently installed outdoors.

The material should be suitable for the mounting surface and expected conditions.

Self-Adhesive Vinyl Signs

Self-adhesive vinyl may be suitable for compatible smooth, clean surfaces.

Rigid Plastic Signs

Rigid plastic signs may be suitable for walls, fences and other mounted applications where the material is appropriate for the conditions.

Aluminium Composite Signs

Aluminium composite may be a useful option for suitable outdoor installations requiring a rigid signboard.

Check the individual product specification before ordering.

What Else Should You Consider?

Think about:

• Exposure to rain and sunlight.

• Wind and mounting stability.

• Cleaning requirements.

• Potential damage from vegetation or equipment.

• The suitability of posts, fences or walls.

• The fixing method.

Buying tip: For remote waterside locations, consider how easily the signs can be inspected and replaced.

Are Deep Water & Danger of Drowning Signs Legally Required in the UK?

There is no universal rule requiring every pond, lake or reservoir in the UK to display the same warning signs.

The need for signage depends on the location, hazards, access arrangements and applicable legal duties.

For workplaces, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require suitable safety signs where significant risks remain after other relevant control measures have been taken.

Other legal duties may apply depending on the ownership, use and circumstances of the site.

Does Displaying a Warning Sign Remove Liability?

No.

A Deep Water or Danger of Drowning Sign does not automatically remove a landowner's or operator's legal responsibilities.

Appropriate arrangements may also include:

• Risk assessment.

• Suitable access controls.

• Barriers or fencing where necessary.

• Safe maintenance of waterside areas.

• Relevant rescue arrangements.

• Regular inspections.

• Clear information for visitors and users.

Signs should form part of wider risk management arrangements rather than being relied upon as the only precaution.

Common Mistakes When Buying Deep Water & Drowning Signs

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

1. Assuming Deep Water and Danger of Drowning mean exactly the same thing.

2. Using a Deep Water Sign where water depth isn't the main hazard.

3. Forgetting that drowning can occur in shallow water.

4. Using a warning sign instead of a necessary No Swimming prohibition.

5. Displaying too many overlapping messages.

6. Placing signs where they cannot be seen before the hazard.

7. Forgetting secondary access routes.

8. Choosing materials unsuitable for outdoor installation.

9. Allowing vegetation to obscure warning notices.

10. Assuming signs alone are sufficient to manage drowning risks.

Deep Water vs Danger of Drowning: Buying Checklist

Before placing an order, use this checklist.

Identify the Hazard

• Water depth assessed.

• Sudden changes in depth considered.

• Steep or slippery banks reviewed.

• Difficult exit points identified.

• Currents and other water hazards considered.

• Access arrangements reviewed.

Choose the Warning

• Deep Water Sign considered.

• Danger of Drowning Sign considered.

• No Swimming restriction reviewed.

• Other hazard-specific warnings assessed.

• Sign wording accurately reflects the location.

Select the Product

• Suitable size chosen.

• Outdoor material checked.

• Mounting surface identified.

• Viewing distance considered.

• Required quantity calculated.

Installation & Maintenance

• Signs visible before the hazard.

• Relevant approaches covered.

• Vegetation and obstructions considered.

• Inspection arrangements established.

• Damaged or illegible signs replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Deep Water and Danger of Drowning Signs?

A Deep Water Sign warns about water depth. A Danger of Drowning Sign communicates the risk of drowning, which can exist in both deep and shallow water.

Which Sign Is Best for a Fishing Lake?

The correct warning depends on the lake's hazards. Deep Water, Danger of Drowning and No Swimming notices may each be appropriate in different circumstances.

Do Ponds Need Danger of Drowning Signs?

Suitable warnings may be appropriate where drowning risks have been identified. Not every pond requires identical signage.

Can You Drown in Shallow Water?

Yes. Drowning can occur in shallow water, so a Danger of Drowning Sign may be relevant even where the water is not particularly deep.

Is a Deep Water Sign the Same as a No Swimming Sign?

No. Deep Water warns about a hazard, while No Swimming communicates a prohibition.

Where Should Deep Water Signs Be Displayed?

They may be suitable at relevant approaches to lakes, ponds, reservoirs and other locations where water depth presents a hazard.

Are Drowning Warning Signs Required by Law?

Requirements depend on the location, hazards and applicable legal duties. There is no universal rule requiring every body of water to display the same warning.

What Size Deep Water Sign Should I Buy?

Choose a size appropriate for the viewing distance, mounting position, lighting and surroundings.

Which Material Is Best for an Outdoor Water Safety Sign?

The best choice depends on the installation and environmental conditions. Suitable rigid plastic and aluminium composite signs may be appropriate for some outdoor applications.

Can I Use Both Deep Water and Danger of Drowning Signs?

Yes, where both messages are relevant. However, signs should remain clear and should not create unnecessary clutter.

Buy Deep Water & Danger of Drowning Signs from The Sign Shed

Whether you're managing a private lake, fishing pond, reservoir, canal-side property or other waterside location, choosing the right warning helps communicate risks clearly.

At The Sign Shed, we supply a range of Water Safety Signs for UK landowners, businesses, leisure facilities and waterside premises.

Our collection includes:

• Deep Water Signs.

• Danger of Drowning Signs.

• No Swimming Signs.

• Strong Currents Signs.

• Fast Flowing Water Signs.

• Shallow Water Signs.

Choose from a selection of sizes and materials to suit different applications.

Made in Britain, with automatic bulk savings available on eligible orders.

Shop Water Safety Signs at The Sign Shed and find suitable warnings for your location.