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Holidaymakers warned of balcony dangers
Holidaymakers are being warned to take care on balconies when abroad this summer.
ABTA members reported 12 balcony accidents in 2017, including one death.
Another 11 British nationals were seriously injured after falling or jumping from balconies while on holiday overseas.
But ABTA said these figures represent just those cases reported by its members and the total number of balcony falls is believed to be much higher.
Over the past three months, nine balcony accidents have been reported in the media, with five of them resulting in fatalities.
A 20-year-old British holidaymaker died after falling 65ft from an apartment balcony in Magaluf and a 21-year-old British holidaymaker suffered injuries including a broken leg and a broken jaw after falling from his hotel balcony, also in Magaluf.
So far in 2018, two balcony falls have been reported to ABTA, with both people seriously injured.
ABTA said many accidents occur due to holidaymakers taking risks, such as climbing from one balcony to another or jumping into the pool from their balcony, and after drinking alcohol.
Young people are particularly at risk – with seven of the nine accidents reported in the media involving teenagers or those in their 20s.
"With many people heading off on their summer holiday in the coming weeks – we strongly advise them to take care when on balconies and be aware about the potential risks," said Nikki White, ABTA director of destinations and sustainability.
"A moment of carelessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymaker themselves, but also on their family and friends. By working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ABTA members and local authorities in resort, we hope to help holidaymakers look after themselves and stay safe on holiday."
ABTA and the FCO have provided tips on using balconies safely, which are available online, and as a leaflet or poster.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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