Stay safe this summer. New swimming tips to avoid holiday horrors are released today by ABTA and the Royal Life Saving Society.
One in five Brits knows someone who has got into difficult while swimming on holiday, according to new research by the travel association ABTA. They are now urging people to follow safety tips and swim safely this summer.
Last year ABTA was made aware of 16 fatal drownings abroad, seven including five children in swimming pools and nine in the sea. And according to the RLSS UK, the number of UK citizens drowning abroad has peaked at 75 in a single year.
Tips for parents include:
- Children in and around water must be kept under constant supervision at all times. Unfortunately, accidents often occur when parents are distracted. ABTA recommends parents enjoy the water with their children.
- Read and follow the pool or beach safety information and check if lifeguards are present.
- Be aware of hazards and surroundings, for example locating the deep and shallow ends in a pool, or rocks and strong currents in the sea.
When it comes to swimming safely, young people are putting themselves most at risk; almost a quarter of 18-24 year olds (24%) don’t check safety information before swimming.
ABTA and the RLSS UK have the following tips:
- Know your own ability, be aware of tiredness and dehydration in the heat; don’t swim when you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Beware of hazards and swimming conditions, particularly in the sea.
- Buddy-up – look out for your mates.
- Remember swimming in open water is different to a swimming pool – if you haven’t swum for six months, open water swimming in cold deep water will be difficult, the RLSS advise people to swim parallel to the beach so you can stand up if you need to.
Nikki White, of ABTA, said: “Swimming should be one of the pleasures of people’s holiday, but knowing your ability and knowing what to do to keep safe is vital – that’s why ABTA is reminding people to swim safe and follow safety advice before taking to the water. Simple steps can save lives, keep you and your loved ones safe, and help keep the water fun for everyone this summer and beyond.”
Di Steer, of the RLSS UK, said: “Swimming on holiday, whether at home or abroad is a real staple of the summer break, but it’s important that children and adults alike know what their limitations are and that they treat the pool and the sea as very different environments.”
Ruth Stannard, of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, said: “Every year British consulates around the world see water safety incidents involving British nationals abroad, ranging from injury to deaths, both in pools and in rivers and the sea. Conditions can vary significantly so it’s important to understand and follow the relevant safety advice and not to rely on lifeguards, who may not always be present. Take the time to find out about the local conditions and follow simple tips such as those provided by ABTA to help ensure you enjoy the water and swim safely.”
For more swimming tips and information visit www.abta.com/swimsafe
The Royal Lifesaving Society UK offers swimming tips, advice and information on its website, as well as information on its lifesaving awards for all ages: www.rlss.org.uk
