Many serious injuries and deaths are caused by swimming accidents. Do not use a swimming pool unless you are satisfied it is safe. Follow the basic rules:

• The bottom of the pool should be visible at all times.
• Cloudy water could be a hygiene hazard.
• Do not enter the pool during cleaning or when chemicals are being added.
• Any children’s pool must be supervised and away from deep water. Never leave children in the pool unattended. Is there an effective barrier dividing deep water from the shallow children’s section? Beware the divide between a children’s area and the main swimming pool, does it have a rapid depth change?
• Avoid diving unless you are sure that it is absolutely safe to do so.
• Check the depth before entering the pool.
• There should be clear depth markings. Depth markings are essential to alert non-swimmers to deep water, to warn prospective divers about shallow water and to avoid potentially dangerous conditions for unwary bathers. Markings should be accurate, clear, prominent and positioned frequently enough to inform you of the depth at any point.
• Watch out for sudden depth changes, steep slopes and ledges.
• There should be adequately trained pool attendants.
• Beware of slippery surfaces around the pool area and in areas leading to and from the pool.
• If there are water features, make sure that slides, chutes and diving platforms are securely fixed, free of obstacles and that there is enough deep water to provide a safe landing.
• Do not go swimming after eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol
• Make sure non swimmers are wearing arm bands

Be cautious about bathing around outlet grilles. Each outlet should be covered with a grille or grating, with the rate of water flow not generating any significant suction. The suction created by water flowing through outlet pipes can be strong enough to trap bathers by the hair and hold them underwater.
If you are unsure as to the safety aspects of the complex, report your concerns to the tour operator representative or complex management.

Take photographs or videos of anything that causes concern - take names and addresses of fellow holidaymakers – these can be later used as evidence in any subsequent complaint.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Action, General Safety, Travel Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.