If you intend to take part in any hazardous sporting activity, follow these simple rules:

• If you are going to take part in potentially hazardous sports such as skiing, canoeing or mountaineering, follow all the relevant safety guidelines. Always let someone know where you are going, who you are going with and what time you intend to return.
• Make sure that there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand or that you have access to such facilities.
• Check that you have medical insurance which covers you fully in the event of any accident. Do not take part in any such activity without checking your insurance policy – check to see if hazardous activity is excluded – if it is, do not take part without having sufficient cover.
• Pay special attention when hiring equipment from independent operators. you may not be covered by your insurance. Check before commencing any sporting activity.
• Follow the rule; only use suppliers recommended by your tour operator or your sporting association.
• Do not use any equipment you would not feel safe using in the UK.
• Always make sure that any equipment that you use has been properly maintained. If you are not sure, do not use the equipment.
• Take special care when participating in water sports, paragliding, jet skiing, or novelty speed rides.
• Do not go swimming after eating a heavy meal or drinking any alcohol.
• Pay special attention to any warning signs or flags on the beach. Make yourself with tides and currents or hazardous marine life. Ask the lifeguard or your tour operator’s representative about any other hazards. Always follow the directions of notices made or placed by any lifeguard.
• Avoid diving unless you are absolutely sure it is safe.
• It is normally recommended that divers should allow 24 hours between their last dive and a flight home.
• If you are unsure as to the safety aspects of your sports or diving area, report your concerns to the tour operator representative or if its a private beach to the complex management also. If you are hiring equipment or taking part in these activities through a private company, bring your concerns to the attention of their representatives or 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 5:23 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.