• 

• Travel
• Travel News
• Family holidays

With countless families anxiously awaiting their summer break at the beach, the holidays could end in tragedy for some if they don’t heed some advice. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Spain, urging parents to put their children’s safety first particularly in swimming pools and beaches at the popular holiday destination this summer.

In the update on June 26, the Foreign Office issued specific advise for each swimming location and highlighted a sad but startling truth parents should keep in mind even while trying to relax on holiday: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain.”

According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, an average of 82 UK citizens drown each year while they are abroad.

The Foreign Office advised parents to always keep an eye on their children, regardless of their age, while they are in or near swimming pools. For small children, the office urged parents to keep them no further than arms-reach away even if they are able to swim or there is a lifeguard nearby.

The Foreign Office advised: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach. Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents.”

In the ocean, there are a few more concerns that both everyday beachgoers and parents may need to keep in mind when swimming to avoid serious injuries. This includes hidden rocks, shallow depths, strong undertows and waves coming into shore further and quicker than expected.

The warning continued: “Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.”

It also recommends people heading for pools or beaches in Spain this year check out ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK recommends a few simple steps to avoid having an emergency in the water. Including keeping children within arms-reach as it notes: “86% of child drownings occur in the absence of adult supervision.”

Before you head into the water, the experts recommend:

• Review local safety notices and learn what the signs and flags mean
• Look out for potential hazards in your surroundings and warn the rest of your group
• Wear brightly coloured swimwear so you can be seen underwater
• Never use inflatables in open water as it can easily be blown out to sea
• Take extra care when intoxicated around water and never enter the water whilst under the influence

The FCDO provides travel advice for more than 220 countries and territories across the globe, covering everything from entry requirements and safety risks to health precautions and local regulations.