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FOR A
SAFE AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY ....
HEALTH & SAFETY
We take your health and safety very seriously so we make sure that we only sell
quality hotels that have been checked to make sure they come up to a high standard.
Part of
the enjoyment of travelling abroad is experiencing a different culture and way of
life. Please remember though, that it may also mean experiencing different safety
and hygiene standards from those we are used to at home. Where U.K. standards are
among the highest in the world, many countries and resorts still have some way to
go to bring their transport, accommodation and services up to the level we normally
take for granted here. This applies to many European resorts as well as more exotic
destinations. We do ask you to take care while you are away, therefore please read
on.
BALCONIES
If you are
travelling with young children, make sure that they are not left unsupervised on
balconies. Keep balcony furniture away from the railings so that they are not encouraged
to climb up.
GLASS
PANELS
Few hotels
are apartments are obliged to install “toughened” or safety glass in their windows,
doors, glass cabinets, etc. Please take particular care when walking through patio
doors, as in bright sunlight it can be difficult to spot if they are closed.
FIRE
SAFETY
Different
countries have different fire safety regulations and procedures. Please read carefully
any fire safety information available in your hotel room or apartment. When you
first arrive, please make sure you familiarize yourself with the location of the
fire exit nearest to your room/apartment.
BATHROOMS
Few hotels
and apartments overseas provide non-slip mats in their baths and showers. As bathroom
floors overseas are often tiles and you will be using a bath or shower tray which
is unfamiliar to you, please take extra care to ensure you do not slip.
LIFTS
Some hotels
and apartments lifts do not have internal doors. This means that the inside of the
lift is exposed to the lift shaft. As the lift travels up and down, a “moving wall”
effect is created. If your hotel or apartments has this type of lift, make sure
you stand clear of the “moving wall” and never allow children to travel inside and
with without an adult.
SWIMMING
POOLS
You will find that most hotels and apartments abroad do not employ a lifeguard. You therefore
need to adopt a sensible attitude around the pool and make sure that children and
non-swimmers are supervised at all times. Before diving, please check that the water
is deep enough. Take care when walking around the pool, as pool surrounds are often
slippery when wet. You should not enter the pool after drinking alcohol.
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Here are
some tips to ensure safety at all times when using the swimming pool:
- Swim before eating and drinking, not immediately after.
-
Check what
to do in an emergency. If it is not stated, ask.
- Always supervise
children.
-
Do not swim
at night (or when the pool is closed).
- Remember to always use adequate
protection against the sun’s rays.
-
Always check
the pool design and layout before getting in.
-
Check your
height in relation to the pool depth.
-
Find out where
the deep and shallow areas are, plus any slopes.
-
Check for
any “hidden” obstacles in the water (e.g.…. rocks, ledges).
-
Never dive
from the poolside into less than 1.5m of water, and never dive from bridges, rocks,
or other decorative features.
-
Check to see
if the pool has a lifeguard in attendance. If so, when?
-
Do not use
the pool if you cannot see the bottom.
ALCOHOL
Some of
us like to indulge especially during our holidays, but there are times when alcohol
is best avoided. Do not drink before swimming in the pool or sea and try to avoid
when sun bathing as this will dehydrate you. Never drink when hiring a car or motor
cycle as drink driving laws exist in most counties.
DRUGS
Don’t get
involved with drugs. This is a serious offence and carries heavy penalties. Respect
local customs regulations and never carry anything through customs for anyone else,
smuggling is a serious offence too.
SEA/BEACHES
At times,
especially during rough conditions, dangerous currents may be present. Please follow
the flag warning signals available on most beaches and swim in the designated areas.
Be especially careful if you have small children.
Here are
a few tips:
-
Familiarize
yourself with the local flag warning system.
-
See local
advice on the safest beaches.
-
Check to see
if the beach has a lifeguard in attendance.
-
Swim parallel
to the shore, within your depth.
-
Beware of
local conditions (e.g. tides, winds, currents) seek advice.
-
Supervise
children at all times.
-
Swim before
eating and drinking, not immediately after.
-
Do not swim
at night.
-
Find out what
the appropriate emergency procedure is.
-
Beware of
any “zones” for powerboats, jet skis etc.
- Remember to always use adequate protection against the sun’s rays.
DRIVING
ABROAD
Driving
overseas is a great way to explore. However, conditions and procedures can differ
to those we are familiar to at home. Please be fully aware of the local regulations
regarding the ‘highway code’. Never drink and drive, as this is an offence in most
counties.
ANIMALS
The hygiene
and care of animals overseas differs vastly from what we are used to at home. We
suggest that you do not feed or play with animals, domestic or wild, whilst abroad
and ensure that children are not allowed to do so. If you are bitten or scratched
by an animal, please seek medical assistance immediately. Protect yourself against
insect bites also.
SPORT
AND ACTIVITY
Please make
sure that the insurance policy you have will cover you in the case of a sports/activity
accident. Some activities are deemed more dangerous and are NOT covered or carry
a higher premium. Read the policy and if you are unsure, ask.
THE SUN
-
Always use
a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB (ultra violet) and has a high SPF
(sun protection factor).
-
Avoid the
midday sun, but if you have to go out, cover up with loose clothing and wear a wide-brimmed
hat.
-
Never expose
babies under six months to direct sunlight.
-
Always protect
small children thoroughly with a high SPF sunscreen and suitable clothing. Take
extra care when children are in the water.
-
Always protect
your eyes from the sun with a good pair of sunglasses.
-
Remember you
can still burn in the shade, when it’s cloudy or when you’re swimming.
-
Wind and
water intensify the sun’s effect, so while you may feel cool, you could be burning.
SMOKING
Please take
care when discarding matches, cigarettes etc. Never throw a cigarette end carelessly
near plants or trees. Please do not smoke in bed.
ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES
Please remember
that it is dangerous to use electrical appliances when wearing a wet bathing costume
or with bare feet on wet floors. For your own safety, please exercise proper caution
when handling electrical appliances and supervise closely any children who are doing
so. Please report any electrical defects to your representative, agent or caretaker
as soon as you can.
MOPEDS
Due to varying
road conditions overseas, we do not recommend moped hire. Should you still decide
to hire a moped, we strongly advise that you wear a crash helmet at all times and
to wear appropriate clothing and footwear whilst driving. You should take out full
insurance cover.
GAS
For those
of you staying in accommodation with gas installations, please remember:
When gas
is alight the room should have ventilation. If you are not sure of adequate ventilation
then please leave a window or door slightly open. When you leave your accommodation,
always ensure that the gas has been turned off. As an extra precaution for bottled
gas, turn it off at the bottle neck also. Please do not use gas rings or ovens for
heating your accommodation. They are for cooking only. If you detect any faults
with gas appliances, please switch them off immediately and report them to the hotel
reception, your representative, agent or caretaker.
CHILD
SAFETY
Please remember
that young children should never be left unsupervised, particularly around the swimming
pool, on the balcony, near the lifts and in the children’s playgrounds. Make sure
that your children always know where you will be and stress to them the importance
of staying close by.
FOOD
AND DRINKS
We would
always recommend that you drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Always be
sure that food is properly cooked or properly chilled and that salads and unpeeled
fruits have been thoroughly washed. If in doubt, don’t eat it, and try not
to over indulge.
COTS
AND HIGHCHAIRS
Safety requirements
vary from country to country. Please check before using a cot or highchair that
you are happy with the safety standard and condition of it. If you have cause for
concern please report it to the hotel reception, your representative, agent or caretaker.
PERSONAL
SAFETY
Please take
care of your valuables at all times, particularly when out and about in the resort.
Most holiday destinations have their share of pickpockets. We would advise that
you use a safety deposit box if you can, and limit the amount of cash you carry.
Remember to lock your doors at night and when you go out during the day, as you
would at home.
ROAD
SAFETY
Do not forget that in the UK we drive on the other side of the
road, compared to many countries, so please think carefully when crossing roads.
LAWS
AND CUSTOMS
Do respect local laws and customs, bear in
mind local religious or other sensibilities. Take local advice regarding topless
or nude bathing.
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