Swimming and at the beach

Swimming pools are a lot of fun, but it’s really important to stay safe when in water as it only takes a very short time to get into trouble. Here's what you can do to help protect yourself whilst enjoying the pools:

• Familiarise yourself with the pool and the area around it before first using it, particularly if you’re on holiday with children or infants
• Look at the information board setting out the pool rules
• Check for depth markings around the pool and make sure you and everyone on your booking are aware and know the where the shallow and deep ends of the pool are
• Not all pools are required to have lifeguard supervision, so check whether the pool you’re using is supervised
• Never leave children or infants unattended or unsupervised, not even if there are lifeguards
• Use any water slides around the pool as instructed
• Make sure you know where to get help in the event of any emergency
• If you see someone in difficulty raise the alarm
• Non-swimmers must wear flotation devices when in the pool
• If the pool is closed or it’s after dark, don’t use it, even if there are underwater lights
• Please do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And it's not advised to swim on a full stomach
  
• To prevent infections and maintain the cleanliness of the swimming pool, use the shower facilities nearby before entering the pool
• If infants are planning on using the pool, they must always wear appropriate swim nappies

Please be aware that there are private and public beaches at most destinations. Some are accessible only to hotel guests and some facilities such as sun beds, are associated with the bars and restaurants on the beachfront. So please check that the beach is accessible to you.

• Choose a beach with a lifeguard if possible
• Supervise your children at all times, both on the beach and in the water
• Make sure you know when the high and low tides are so that you don’t choose a spot where you could become cut off from the main beach if the tide comes in
• It can get very hot on a beach so don’t forget to take plenty of water as well as sun cream, sun hats, a sun umbrella and depending on where you are you may need insect repellent too. When the sun’s at its strongest, between 11am - 3pm, make sure you spend some time in the shade. This is particularly important for children as they can burn easily. And young babies should be protected from the sun at all times. 
• If you're going into the sea or any of the local establishments, remember to secure your valuables and take them with you
• Beaches are home to many local merchants selling their local goods. Please be firmly polite if you don't want to purchase their goods and services.
• If you're considering any sea-based water sports, please ensure that you purchase the activity from an established business that can demonstrate their skills and experience in delivering it safely.
• If you see someone in difficulty raise the alarm. Only try and help them if you are confident with your own abilities. 

If you start feeling unwell after returning from the beach, speak to your hotel reception and if necessary, they can call a doctor for you.

If you’re planning on swimming anywhere beyond the hotel pool, make sure you only do this where you’re allowed to and where it will be suited to your swimming ability. This includes in the sea, rivers, lakes, tidal waters and other waters.

• Always follow the information around safety that’s available at the beach. Make sure to have a look for warning flags, signage and an on-duty lifeguard.
• Find out the best action in an emergency situation, such as calling the local coastguard.
• Always take your own swimming ability into consideration. If you haven’t swam in some time, start slowly and don’t overexert yourself.
• Look out for any dangerous currents and hazards such as rocks, reefs, sudden changes in depth and marine life underwater.
• If you're snorkelling, always stay in pairs and look up every now and again to check where you are. It's easy to drift further out without realising. 

Rip tides are particularly dangerous currents, and certain destinations and beaches have significant rip tides that exceed any swimmer's ability. Please pay close attention to any local advice and notices on rip tides, and don't ignore any instructions provided for your safety.

• If a sign directs you not to swim somewhere, make sure you follow this advice such as staying away from zoned areas for jet boats or skis
• If you suffer an injury in the water, seek assistance from a medical professional as quickly as possible.  
• Don’t swim near or dive from rocks, piers, breakwaters or coral.
• Never swim alone where you can, and always make sure children are supervised.