There’s something about accidents happening on holiday which is especially cruel. Whether you’re jetting off abroad, staying in a caravan or camping in a field your holiday should be a joyful time for all the family.
So, here are some top tips to make sure your holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.
Don’t be caught off guard
One of the biggest risk factors when it comes to holiday safety is that parents are relaxed and off-guard. That’s not to say don’t relax, just that some checks first will help to put your mind at ease.
Many incidents happen on the first or last day of a family holiday, possibly because parents are distracted by packing and unpacking and the general excitement of children.
In your accommodation
It might sound obvious, but it’s important to remember to use the same caution in your holiday accommodation that you do at home. On arrival it’s always worth taking a quick look for any potential dangers. Here are a few simple checks and precautions to remember:
- Move any cleaning products out of reach
- Check window blind cords are safely secured out of reach and that window locks work
- If you have a balcony ensure young children are supervised
- Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
- Be alert to any water nearby
Sleeping arrangements
If you have a baby it’s important to continue to follow safer sleep advice when you’re on holiday.
- Lie your baby on their back
- Keep the sleep space clear
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress
And remember, children under six shouldn’t sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed
Camping, caravanning and boats
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer. The highly poisonous gas can kill quickly and without warning, as you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it.
In confined spaces such as tents, caravans or campervans, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is greater. Therefore, having an audible CO alarm is an essential item to put on your packing list.
Never take a lit barbecue or disposable barbecue into a caravan, boat, motorhome or any enclosed space – not even a tent. Tents might seem well-ventilated, but they’re not.
Young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO and may experience symptoms sooner than a healthy adult.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning immediately go outside into the fresh air and seek medical attention.
Water safety
Splashing around is a great way to relax and cool down on holiday. But drowning happens quickly and often silently. So, it’s important you know how and where drowning happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Before you go
1. Know the dangers
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Babies and toddlers
Babies and toddlers can drown in very little water so they need you to stay with them near water at all times. In many cases, toddlers who drown on holiday wandered away from parents and fell into water.
Small children
Children under 8 still need to be actively supervised in and around water. They might understand safety instructions but are likely to forget in the heat of the moment. Remember that a child that’s drowning won’t cry out for help and wave to be rescued. Instead, they disappear under the surface of the water, often unseen and unheard.
Older children
Even older children who can swim can easily get into difficulties and drown. So, teach them how to stay safe in and around water. Remind them not to go swimming alone and explain the dangers of swimming in open water, including strong currents, deep, cold water and things under the surface they can’t see.
2. Check safety arrangements in advance
Check with your travel company or on the hotel website if the hotel pool has a lifeguard. And, be cautious about booking villas that do not have safety fencing around pools.
Remember, beach and pool conditions and safety standards vary considerably throughout the world. So, don’t rely on lifeguards being present or other adults spotting that your child is in trouble in the water.
3. Teach children the water safety code
Stop and think: Whenever you are near water look around for any dangers. Check is the ground safe? Is the water too deep? Or not deep enough? Is there anything hiding underneath? Read any safety signs and learn what the beach flags mean.
Stay together: When around water always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue if possible.
In an emergency do not enter the water to rescue:
Call for help: In the UK call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if inland and the Coastguard if at the coast. When travelling abroad familiarise yourself with the local emergency number before you go.
Float to live: If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If somebody else has fallen in throw them something that floats.
When you’re there
1. Be a water watcher and actively supervise children in and around the water at all times. Don’t rely on older children to supervise younger children.
2. Don’t assume that because a child can swim, they will be safe. Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.
3. Don’t rely on lifeguards: Provision, training and legislation varies in different countries, and lifeguards may have other duties.
4. Even if you’re not planning to be near the pool, be alert to any water nearby and be mindful of children wandering off.
5. Remember inflatables can be swept out to sea when the wind is blowing. So, save them for the swimming pool and always keep an eye on children on them.
6. Expect children to do unexpected things. They can’t be relied on to keep themselves safe, even if they say they can.
