One in five people know someone who has got into difficulty when swimming on holiday, according to Abta as it launched a summer ‘swim safe’ campaign.
The figure emerged as the association teamed up with drowning prevention charity the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) to urge holidaymakers to follow safety tips and swim safely this summer.
Abta was made aware of 16 fatal drownings abroad last year – seven in swimming pools and nine in the sea. According to the RLSS, the number of UK citizens drowning abroad has been known to peak at 75 in a single year.
The association today called on families to take care in the water – five of the seven swimming pool drownings reported by members in 2013 involved children.
Ahead of the summer peak, figures show that almost half of people (49%) said that swimming was an important part of their holiday, rising to almost two thirds (64%) of people with children.
But more than one in ten people (12%) don’t check safety information before they swim. This is especially important on holiday, where people swim in unfamiliar environments, Abta says.
Incidents can also occur when people overestimate their swimming ability or fitness, particularly as four in ten British people (43%) have not swum at all in the last year and only a quarter (27%) of people swim regularly.
Many holidaymakers may not realise how much more challenging swimming in open water can be, even for strong swimmers.
Abta is recommending that people take some time to familiarise themselves with their surroundings when swimming, with research showing that almost a quarter (24%) of 18-24 year olds don’t check safety information before swimming.
Abta head of destinations and sustainability Nikki White said: “The main summer season is just weeks away and thousands will head off to some fantastic waterside destinations at home and abroad.
“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.
“Swimming should be one of the pleasures of people’s holiday, but knowing your ability and knowing what to do to keep safe is vital – that’s why Abta is reminding people to swim safe and follow safety advice before taking to the water.
“Simple steps can save lives, keep you and your loved ones safe, and help keep the water fun for everyone this summer and beyond.”
RLSS UK chief executive Di Steer added: “Swimming on holiday, whether at home or abroad is a real staple of the summer break, but it’s important that children and adults alike know what their limitations are and that they treat the pool and the sea as very different environments.
“We all know water is fun but it’s truly tragic that accidental drowning causes deaths every year, and that near drowning experiences – many of which could have been avoided – are all too common.
“Have fun in the water but read these tips before you get in – it could be the best decision you make and avoid a summer holiday becoming a family tragedy.”