NiGeL THOmPSON mARJORie YUe Get into the swim on summer pool safety
Splashing around in a swimming pool in the sunshine is one of the best things about a summer family break – but it can turn to tragedy all too easily.
As the school getaway starts, holidaymakers are being warned to take extra care around the water.
The Safer Tourism Foundation – a charity which aims to prevent accidents, injury and illness for Brits travelling abroad – says there are 25 overseas drownings and 500 serious pool-related incidents each year, mostly affecting children.
Kathy Atkinson, the charity’s chief, said: “Too many people are having serious accidents in holiday swimming pools. It’s ruining hundreds of holidays and, sadly, many lives too. The terrible thing is that it’s so unnecessary. With a little extra care, these tragedies could be avoided, and lives saved.’’
The charity has launched R.E.L.A.X. guidelines to follow: ■■RECCE the pool environment on arriving at your accommodation. Identify safety features, barriers, slides and chutes, deep and shallow end, whether there is a lifeguard and when they’re on duty. Take a moment to enter local emergency numbers into your phone. ■■EYES on the kids. Keep a lookout – always. ■■LIFESAVING techniques. Make sure you or someone you’re with knows how to save lives. Learn some basic CPR. ■■ARMBANDS. If they are needed, make sure they stay on at all times. Children often want to go back in the pool even when the time for swimming is over. ■■EXPLAIN to children how to use the pool safely. Take time to do this – it’s vital.
Kathy added: “We want to raise awareness on all sides that more needs to be done to prevent serious accidents in holiday pools. It is the joint responsibility of parents and travel companies to make the pool experience as safe as possible.’’ ■■More info at safertourism.org.uk Vodafone Smart N9, £109 PAYG, vodafone.co.uk
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