RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
July 16, 2002
WATER SAFETY WARNING FOR HOLIDAYS AT HOME AND ABROAD
As schools begin to break up for the summer, RoSPA today issued water safety warnings to people preparing to head off on holiday at home and abroad.
Sunny weather sadly often brings drowning tragedies and there have been at least three in last few days. But by following simple tips, families can stay safe.
Some hotel pools abroad may not be lifeguarded. Keep an eye on children at all times when they are near water. In a crowded pool a child can go to the bottom and may not be spotted among the general din. Walk around in the pool as soon as you arrive so that you can check depth markings are accurate and there are no other hazards. Always read the safety signs at the poolside and do what they say.
If you are hiring a property with a swimming pool and have small children, remember you will have to be a lifeguard 24-hours-a-day. Last year there were several tragedies involving British toddlers in this type of accommodation on the Continent - perhaps consider booking a villa without a pool until your children are older.
Whether at home or abroad, always seek local advice about tides and other potential hazards. Only swim at lifeguarded beaches and never enter the water when the red flags are flying. Even a stroll along the sand can end in tragedy - at least three people have died in the UK this year after being cut off by the tide.
The most common drowning accident in the UK occurs in inland open waters such as rivers, lakes, streams and canals. As well as small children, the people mainly involved are young men. The water in this country never really warms up and they overestimate their swimming capabilities because they are used to swimming in heated pools. Currents and unseen underwater hazards such as rubbish and weeds add to the danger. Only swim at a properly supervised swimming pool or supervised beach.
Accidents often happen to children when visiting friends and relatives. Eighty-per-cent of the drownings in garden ponds and pools happen in other people’s gardens. Before letting your children out to play, check if there is a water feature outside. If children are playing with a paddling pool, always empty it out at the end of the day so there is no chance of them returning to the water when you are not there.
Peter Cornall, RoSPA Head of Water and Leisure, said: "By following this advice people will be able to enjoy themselves this summer and be happy that their children are safe."
