RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

January 22, 2003
SHOCK FIGURES ON BRITONS DROWNING ON HOLIDAYABROAD

With the holiday booking season approaching its peak, new figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reveal that at least 60 UK nationals drown abroad each year.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water and Leisure Manager, said: “I am sure this figure will shock most people. Drowning while on holiday is far more common than is realised, but many of these deaths could be prevented if people took more care when booking their trip.

“About eight of the drownings each year involve children, most of whom die in swimming pools in and around the Mediterranean – the most popular holiday destination for Britons.”

As well as swimming pool deaths, there have been tragedies swimming off dangerous beaches, while carrying out water sports and in flooded rivers. Some of the deaths involve UK nationals living abroad, but most are believed to be holidaymakers.

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?

“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 cut-price holidays as you may not know exactly where you will be staying.

“Parents using 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 small children. A few questions asked when booking can save hours of worry while you are away.

“It is difficult to get precise information on accidents that happen abroad and so the real situation may be even worse than we think. As it is, far too many holidays end in tragedy which could have been avoided.”

RoSPA is working with the European Child Safety Alliance – which is co-ordinating a water safety and drowning prevention campaign in Europe - to raise awareness of the problem at home and abroad.