Staying safe on holiday

As lots of people are going on holiday in the holidays here is a quick piece I found to make you aware of what could happen if your not playing safely.


Swimming -

Never swim alone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and never dive head-first into an unfamiliar body of water.

Check local information for details of tides, currents and pollution.
Bilharzia, a parasitic infection of the bowel or bladder, may be contracted by contact with infested fresh water in the tropics.

In certain areas, fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis has occurred following swimming in warm dirty water.

Salt water is generally safer than fresh water for swimming in developing countries. However, only pools that contain properly chlorinated water can be considered safe from infectious diseases.

When swimming in the sea, check out the possible existence of jellyfish, sea urchins, coral, sea snakes, sharks and venomous fish. Human sewage and animal faeces make some beaches no-go areas for swimming or even wading.

Travelling -

Always check on local traffic regulations: stick to the speed limit.

Wear a seatbelt when travelling by car and ensure children are strapped into a car seat or child restraint.

If you must travel on motorcycles or mopeds, always wear a helmet and protective clothing.

Check the condition of cars and bikes for hire and the insurance cover provided.

Walk, cycle, or drive defensively.
Never drink alcohol and drive.

Alcohol -

Don't bake your brain. Heat and humidity means your body needs extra hydration - not alcohol. You'll easily get through a 1.5 litre bottle of mineral water a day when temps are over 30 degrees. If you decide to imbibe, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.

Altitude has the effect of getting you drunker, faster. Your usual limits will be lowered the first few days at altitude - pace your drinks.

Never drink alcohol in a country where there are strict laws forbidding or restricting its importation and consumption. (Check out your destination at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Travel Advice homepage.)

Public drunkenness is frowned upon in some countries - and a jailable offence in others. Being drunk and disorderly will not endear you to the locals!
Beware of country differences: a beer is not always a beer - lager is different from Belgian tripel (four per cent compared to around nine per cent strength). Know your limits with stronger drinks.

Think before you drink: having a swift one before enjoying sports or activities isn't a good idea. Injuries and deaths happen when booze is combined with sports like swimming, waterskiing and cycling