RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
July 13, 2004
SHOCK INCREASE IN BRITONS DROWNING ON HOLIDAY ABROAD
New figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reveal a 20 per cent increase in the number of UK nationals drowning abroad.
As the peak holiday season approaches, RoSPA fears the problem will continue to grow unless people heed safety warnings. In 2003, 73 UK nationals drowned abroad, an increase of 13 on the previous year. Seventeen were under the age of 18 and nine of those were under ten.
Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water and Leisure Manager, said: "I'm sure these figures will come as a shock to most people, but drowning while on holiday is more common than people may think. The rise in figures shows that the problem is increasing which is very worrying. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people took more care when booking their trip.
"Most of the tragedies involving children happen in swimming pools in and around the Mediterranean - the most popular holiday destination for Britons.
"Families using private villas with swimming pools must realise that they will have to be lifeguards for their children 24-hours-a-day. It might be safer to book a property without a pool if you have young children."
People should seek advice from travel agents and holiday companies about safety when they book. They should ask questions such as: Is the beach safe? Is the swimming pool suitable for children? Are there lifeguards on duty? Is there a supervised children's club? Are water sports operators qualified? Will my insurance cover dangerous activities?
As well as swimming pool deaths, there have been tragedies with adults swimming off dangerous beaches and while taking part in water sports in the sea. Some of the deaths involve UK nationals living abroad, but most are believed to be holidaymakers.
"It is too late when you get to your resort to change your plans and stay in accommodation more appropriate to your needs," Peter Cornall said. "There can be a particular problem when taking accommodation-on-arrival deals as you do not know exactly where you will be staying.
"Precise information on accidents that happen abroad is difficult to obtain, so the real situation may be even worse than we think. As it is, far too many holidays end in a tragedy which could have been avoided."
