Holiday Tips: Personal Safety Abroad

Personal safety and the safety of your family abroad is paramount. There are always far too many accidents that could be avoided. Below are a few tips on how to be safer whilst away on holiday and to help prevent unneccessary accidents.

• Before you or your children jump or dive into the swimming pool check the depth markings.
• If you have children never take your eyes off them while they are swimming in the pool or sea. In fact 60+ UK nationals drown abroad each year but many of these unfortunate deaths could have been prevented with a little more care.
• Check the beach flags and ensure you know their meanings before using the beach, even if it is just to take a walk.
• When taking a boat out always ensure that you have lifejackets with you and if children are aboard that they wear them at all times.
• If on holiday with small children when booking your aprtment or hotel room try and request rooms on the ground floor so you don't have to worry about balconies.
• Know the basic help phrase(s) in the native language of the country you are visiting.
• If you go out alone, always tell someone where you are going.Leave details of where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return.
• Be careful at zebra crossings - In other parts of the world when using a zebra crossing doesn't mean that a car will stop.
• To avoid your drink from being spiked, try not to leave your glass unattended and if drinking from a bottle keep it with you at all times. However if you do feel ill or light-headed tell your friends and or the barman/waiter straight away and ask for a taxi to take you home.
• Keep your keys, passport, travel card and phone card in your pocket, so you can give up your handbag and escape quickly if necessary.
• Keep your money in two places so if you are robbed you only lose some of your money.
• If possible wear a concealed money bely or neck pouch.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and other important documents at home before you travel.