on you when they are out foraging which is what those in your pond are doing. They are not defending anything so the risk of a sting is almost zero. I have 500,000+ honeybees on my deck (compared to the 20-30 on the edge of your pond foraging water. Even sitting a few feet from the hives they defend, there isn’t a big stinging risk for me with 500,000 bees. You could sit next to that pond all day and never be stung. They die when they sting you so unless they are defending their home or you are swatting at them, you are safe.

Most people have an irrational fear of honeybees and why honeybees are killed unnecessarily. You aren’t alone in that regard. If you swat at them you might get stung but they can land on you like your best friend. That isn’t almost getting stung. Do what you need to do for peace. Just do it informed.