ABTA reports 16 fatal holiday drownings as it launches swim safe campaign

Last year ABTA was made aware of 16 fatal drownings abroad, seven in swimming pools and nine in the sea.

Tragically, five of the seven swimming pool drownings reported by ABTA members in 2013 involved children.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the number of UK citizens drowning abroad has been known to peak at 75 in a single year.

The two associations have released the shocking figures to highlight the importance of following safety advice as part of a swim safe campaign being launched today, backed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

ABTA members are being urged to share advice with their customers and can download information and posters via ABTA’s website.

A survey of 2289 Brits in May found one in five people (18%) know someone who has got into difficulty whilst swimming on holiday.

Half said that swimming was an important part of their holiday, rising to almost two thirds (64%) of people with children, but over 12% don’t check safety information before they swim.

Incidents can also occur when people overestimate their swimming ability or fitness, particularly as 43% haven’t swum at all in the last year.

Many holidaymakers may not realise how much more challenging swimming in open water can be, even for strong swimmers, said ABTA.

"The main summer season is just weeks away and thousands will head off to some fantastic waterside destinations at home and abroad," said Nikki White, ABTA’s head of destinations and sustainability.

"But, whilst happy seaside memories and favourite snaps in and around the pool are the norm, each year there are also accidents in the water- some with devastating consequences for holiday makers and their families. "

ABTA and the RLSS UK are highlighting a number of tips for parents including:
1. Children in and around water must be kept under constant supervision at all times. Unfortunately accidents often occur when parents are distracted. ABTA recommends parents enjoy the water with their children.
2. Read and follow the pool or beach safety information and check if lifeguards are present.
3. Be aware of hazards and surroundings, for example locating the deep and shallow ends in a pool, or rocks and strong currents in the sea.

Young people least likely to check safety information
When it comes to swimming safely, young people are putting themselves most at risk; almost a quarter of 18-24 year olds (24%) don’t check safety information before swimming.

ABTA and the RLSS UK have the following tips:
1. Know your own ability, be aware of tiredness and dehydration in the heat; don’t swim when you’ve been drinking alcohol.
2. Beware of hazards and swimming conditions, particularly in the sea.
3. Buddy-up – look out for your mates.
4. Remember swimming in open water is different to a swimming pool – if you haven’t swum for six months, open water swimming in cold deep water will be difficult, the RLSS advise people to swim parallel to the beach so you can stand up if you need to.