Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
15 July 2016 09:39
Family holidays can be safe in and around water
Britons on holidays abroad are being advised how to enjoy safe swimming this summer.
ABTA's new five-point plan aims to reduce the dangers that surround foreign pools and seas.
The travel group's guidelines come before millions of UK families are due to jet out overseas for their annual getaway.
Safety first
Swimming pools are not the only place where a safety-first policy pays dividends on holiday.
Taking out trusted travel insurance also helps to reduce risks.
This cover protects holidaymakers should their flight be delayed or cancelled.
It can also reimburse them should they have their luggage and possessions stolen, or passports and other travel papers mislaid.
Safe swimming
ABTA recommends the following steps for holiday swimming...
Before you go: The organisation says that preparation is key. This means getting used to swimming again before tourists leave - perhaps at their local swimming baths. Parents are also advised to get their children used to the water while keeping an eye on them throughout.
Get familiar with new surroundings: Tourists should acquaint themselves with pool layouts, beach warning signs and flags, and the location of dangerous currents. Knowing the pool's design will prevent holidaymakers from unknowingly jumping in at the deep end. Rocks, reefs, sudden alterations in depth and other potential underwater hazards should also be inquired about. ABTA also advises against jumping off poolside chairs and tables, piers and rocks.
Keep vigilant: People should always swim with others and supervise the children in their group at all times, handing out armbands as an additional precaution. ABTA recommends that Britons should only swim during the daytime and never after imbibing alcohol.
Follow safety rules: Hoteliers, holiday reps and locals will be best placed to advise travellers about their beaches and pools. Holiday-goers should also learn any flag warning systems and pool rules before they swim. Prohibited swimming zones should be avoided at all costs.
Knowing limitations: It's no good Britons thinking they are Rebecca Adlington if they have just passed their 20-metres certificate. If people think they need lessons, then they should not be too proud to get some before flying out. Remember that open water, even in a swimming pool, can be much colder and more difficult than indoor heated pools. Even stronger swimmers find they cannot swim as far in cold water as they can in the warm.
18 December 2018
The number of diabetes-related lower limb amputations has jumped by nearly a fifth in England over recent years, a leading charity has warned.
[more...]
15 December 2018
Older people are 50% more likely to take themselves to A&E if they live alone, a new study has revealed.
14 December 2018
Over 4.3 million older people in the UK are at risk of not getting the care they need just because of their postcode, new research has revealed.
13 December 2018
Space tourism could move one giant leap closer this week as Virgin Galactic expects to reach "space altitudes" for the first time.
12 December 2018
If you're worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas, regular home weighing could prevent you from excessive festive eating and drinking.
11 December 2018
Airlines that automatically cancel return flights when passengers fail to show for their outbound journeys are being warned they risk breaking consumer law.
08 December 2018
Providing better conditions for disabled passengers is one of the main aims of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.
07 December 2018
Women who don't attend cervical screenings should be offered testing kits they can use at home, new research suggests.
06 December 2018
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
05 December 2018
Protein supplements and muscle training could be the most effective ways to delay or reverse the effects of frailty, a new study suggests.
04 December 2018
Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane has helped create a new exhibition to raise awareness of the loneliness felt by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
01 December 2018
A leading charity has praised the actions of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, saying the Labour MP had "done everybody a service" by disclosing his HIV status.