Brits have been given a new travel warning for Spain. Europe, including the UK, has suffered a scorching heatwave in recent weeks, which poses a threat to the health of locals and tourists. However, there is another aspect of a typical Spanish holiday that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has told Brits to be extra aware of.
Following the record-breaking heatwave, the UK Government updated its website to advise people on the dangers of swimming and how to stay safe while swimming. It revealed that every year in Spain, people tragically drown while swimming in pools and the sea while on holiday in the popular destination. The advice is particularly important for those travelling to Spain with children. It comes after a three-year-old British girl died in Mallorca after being found floating face down in a swimming pool while on holiday.
“Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain,” the Government’s website reads.
“Always supervise children. Keep small children within arm’s reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”
It adds: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arm’s reach. Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents.
“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water, and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.”
It also urges tourists to learn and understand the Spanish beach flag system so they are able to identify unsafe swimming spots.
Across the majority of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal, the probability of warmer-than-normal weather this summer exceeds 70%. It is also likely that there will be higher-than-usual temperatures on the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands this summer.
