When you are on holiday there are lots of opportunities to be in and around water. Countryside / walking holidays with rivers, lakes and reservoirs, beach holidays with the sea and hotel / holiday park holidays with swimming pools and splash / water parks.
Wherever you are, home or abroad, it is important that water safety remains a priority.
Before you go on holiday it is a good idea to test and refresh your swimming ability, particularly if it’s been a while since you have been swimming.
At the beach
- Know your beach safety flags and pay attention to them.
- Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible. That gem of a secluded beach is not always the safest option.
- Dress your children in something bright and distinctive; it is easier to keep an eye on them.
- Agree a meeting point, make sure your children know what to do if they get lost.
- Check the tide times so you don’t risk getting cut off.
- Never jump into the water e.g., from cliffs/ piers. Cold water shock can kill, there may be rocks underwater that you can’t see, and tides and currents can mean that water depths change rapidly.
- Never swim after drinking alcohol
- Inflatables, although fun, can be easily swept out to sea. Keep them in the pool.
- Closely supervise your children
- Know what to do if you get into trouble. Locate the nearest lifeguard station and know the emergency number to call for the country you are in.
At the pool
- Know your pool – before you get in check the depth, note the deepest point, check for lifeguards / location of safety equipment.
- Remember arm bands and rubber rings are not safety devices and do not prevent drowning.
- Never leave children unsupervised in or near the water even if there is a lifeguard present.
- Clear trip hazards (toys, inflatables etc) from around the pool
- Do not drink alcohol around the pool when supervising children. It is very easy to feel drowsy / fall asleep after drinking in the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly, even the waterproof and all day types lose their effectiveness very quickly.
- Sun protection suits and hats are a great idea for protecting your children from the sun and drinking lots of water will help to prevent dehydration.
Inland water
- Don’t go near weirs, locks, pipes, and sluices. These are often linked with strong currents.
- Inland water is often much colder than you think it might be. Cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue. Cold water shock can kill: https://www.rlss.org.uk/cold-water-shock-the-facts
- Don’t go too far, staying close to the shore / edge means its easier to return to the shore if required and can be spotted more easily.
- Currents in the water can be very strong. If you get caught in a current resist the urge to swim against it as you will get tired very quickly. Swim with the current and call for help.
- Never swim alone. Always bring a friend with you when you go swimming.
- Look for signs. If there is a sign telling you not to swim DO NOT enter the water.
- Know what to do / who to call if you get into difficulty: https://www.rlss.org.uk/the-water-safety-code
- Although there are lots of hazards and potential dangers in an around water it can be the most fun. To get the maximum enjoyment from the water follow the advice above and consider getting some swimming lessons to enable you to enjoy it to the full. Check out the advice from Swim England too: https://www.swimming.org/learntoswim/7-factors-consider-swimming-outdoors-versus-swimming-pool/
Water safety starts before you reach the beach or pool. If you’d like to build confidence and skills for safer swimming at home and on holiday, we’re here to help.