Baptisms are a special and sacred tradition celebrated in many ways. To make sure your baptisms are a cause for celebration and not a reason to call 911, we provide the following recommendations to help prevent falls, electrocution, drowning, and other risks. From built-ins to portables to natural bodies of water, implementing these tips can help keep your people safe.
When filling your baptismal, set a timer and check on it frequently. Even if there is an auto fill shutoff, it could fail, leaving you with a soggy mess.
Your first line of defense is to make sure the area around your baptismal is clearly marked with signs. Signage can help convey restrictions or potentially dangerous conditions.
There are a couple of potential benefits to placing signs around your baptismal. For one, they can help maintain a level of safety for all involved. They could also strengthen your ministry’s defense in case of a liability claim. Wording, font size, sign color, and other considerations vary widely based on the warning being given and local legal requirements.
Here are a couple of warnings that could be included on your signage:
In addition to signage, it’s important to use physical barriers to prevent curious kids from accessing the water. Even with a barrier, it’s also a good idea to promptly drain the baptismal after use, whenever possible.
Lock any doors leading to the baptismal. Consider installing a gate or other barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the baptismal, except for when it’s being used. When it comes to gates, make sure they are high enough that they’re not easily climbed over. For example, fences and gates for pools are commonly required to be 4 foot in height by local municipalities.
Make sure there is at least a four-foot barrier around the baptismal. Items like chairs can be used by kids to climb into the water.
Finally, if the baptistry is in the stage, make sure it has a cover that can support a person’s weight when it’s unattended.
Mixing water and almost any hard surface can create a slippery situation. To make sure your ministry’s special day doesn’t turn into a trip to the emergency room, here are some handy tips to prevent slips and trips.
A special note about handrails: Make sure all steps have a railing, including into the baptistry (continuous railing is ideal). This includes temporary or portable baptistries. The most common recommendation made by the risk control team at Brotherhood Mutual is to install railings.
Before each use, test the stability of stair railings, inside and out. Tighten up if loose. You may need to install a railing in the middle of wider steps, like those leading up to the baptismal. Check with your local building department for any applicable code requirements before starting.
Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix, but there are some surprising ways they can attempt to comingle.
Whether your church has a private pond or you gather at a lake or river, natural bodies of water present unique issues for baptisms.
Rivers can be tricky. Slippery rocks make for hazardous walking. Submerged debris can lead to a slip or a trapped foot. Strong currents, even if the water’s surface appears calm, can quickly sweep people away.
Lakes or ponds can pose similar hazards. After baptism services, it may be tempting for some to have a fun day playing in the water. Make sure you have appropriate supervision, including someone with lifeguarding experience, to keep a close watch on the swimmers. Tragedy can strike quickly and often with little warning.
Posted July 2025.
The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.
