Safety Advice for the Beach and Pool

Top tips for when you are in or near water when on holiday:

On The Beach

Secluded beaches are not safe beaches – use a lifeguarded beach during patrolled hours
Remember, it is up to you, not the lifeguard, to supervise children
Dress your children in something bright and distinctive so that it is easier to keep an eye on them
Make sure your children know what to do or where to go if they get lost – agree a meeting point
Check tides. These can change at different times of the year – it might have been safe last time you holidayed here – doesn’t mean it is this time
Be aware of rip tides and currents as they can drag you out to sea and are almost impossible to swim against
Look for safety information, such as local signs or flags on display at the beach, and obey them
If in doubt, don’t risk it
Never enter the water after drinking alcohol

Never swim after drinking, and don’t drink next to the pool. It is very easy to feel drowsy or fall asleep after drinking in the sun, and you may not notice a child enter the water
Don’t assume that armbands or rubber rings prevent drowning
Clear trip hazards, such as toys, from around the pool
Never leave a child unsupervised near or in a pool – not even for a second
Don’t assume you will hear if there is a problem. Children can slip below the surface silently
Don’t assume because a hotel pool has an attendant or lifeguard you don’t need to supervise – and remember a pool attendant does not always mean a trained lifeguard
Designate someone to keep an eye on the children (take turns) – don’t assume that because there are a group of adults someone will notice a child falling in or struggling in the water
If your villa pool is not fenced, consider taking portable door alarms on holiday – they only cost a few pounds but may warn you if a child has decided to sneak out to the pool while you are distracted

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