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17 August 2012 10:03
Holidaymakers are being warned of the risk of falling from balconies
A new awareness campaign from the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) is seeking to reduce the number of holidaymakers injured in falls from hotel balconies.
Research shows holidaymakers aged between 18 and 35 are involved in most incidents, particularly after drinking alcohol. This year has so far seen 13 people fall from balconies while on holidays.
Abta has teamed up with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to provide leaflets to young holidaymakers, telling real-life stories to warn of the dangers.
Jake Evans, from Liverpool, was lucky to survive falling seven floors from a balcony on holiday last year. The 18-year-old tells his story in a YouTube video and a feature set to be aired on UK radio stations.
The risk of injury underlines the importance of travel insurance but the campaign hopes to encourage people to avoid risky behaviour which can lead to such accidents in the first place.
Paul Abrey, Consul in the Balearics, where a number of incidents occurred, said: "We've already seen some tragic cases this summer which have had devastating consequences for the individuals and families concerned."
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