Travellers to Spain are warned over balcony falls

TRAVELLERS to Spain have been given an official warning after a string of incidents which have seen intoxicated people falling from balconies.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its advice for holiday-makers heading to the popular holiday destination.

According to the FCO a number of deaths involved British nationals and it is having a “devastating effect” on their loved ones.

In the update the FCO said: “There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies and walls.

“Many of these incidents have involved British nationals and have had a devastating impact on those involved and their loved ones.

“Don’t take unnecessary risks around balconies, particularly if you’re under the influence of drink or drugs.”

According to the FCO, if you hurt yourself on a balcony while drunk it could invalidate your travel insurance.

“Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when it happened,” the FCO said in the statement.

Balconing is a word used in the Spanish press to describe the act of jumping into a swimming-pool from a balcony or falling from height while climbing from one balcony to another in hotels during holidays.

The FCO has warned that even if you are unharmed you could face a heavy fine.

“Some local councils will impose fines to those caught behaving irresponsibly on balconies or practising ‘balconing’,” said the FCO.