Accident prevention
Road safety
Road Traffic Accidents are a significant cause of injury and death in holidaymakers, and the leading cause of death in travellers 15-29 years old. Maybe think twice before hiring that moped.
Rules of the road - check traffic regulations in each country as it probably more complicated than just which side of the road to drive on. Wear a seatbelt!
Vehicle hire - check the vehicle, its tyres, lights etc and the hire company reputation.
Mopeds / motorcycles - rate highly in RTAs so best avoided but if you must then check the vehicle and firm reputation.
Helmets - Please wear one. Pretty please. We are healthcare professionals and have seen what happens if you don’t.
Water safety
Going in, on or under the water are great things to be doing at any time, holiday or not. Drowning is however the leading cause of accidental death worldwide. Avoid swimming alone and ensure others know where you are.
Tides and rip currents - local knowledge is key. Ask about tide tides time, rip currents and strong tides, weather conditions and local warnings by the sea/rivers and lakes (or lochs for the 33% Aquamarine staff who are Scottish).
Alcohol - often a contributing factor to accidents and drowning. The only place alcohol and water should mix is in a glass.
Children - are over-represented in drowning statistics, keep an eye on them. Teach them early how to ‘Respect the Water’
Lifeguards and Coastguard - go to a lifeguarded beach if you can. Many countries do not have a Coastguard the way the UK does - plan ahead.
Equipment - wear floatation devices. How would you call for help if you needed it - whistle, flares, radio, EPIRB?
Jumping - avoid diving off rocks, piers, seawalls and balconies into pools
Sea beasties - did you know the most venomous creature on the planet is a jellyfish? Local knowledge is helpful - to see but also not run into problems due to the venomous fish, snakes, jellyfish or if you are really lucky, a shark. Don’t let anyone pee on your jellyfish sting that doesn’t work. Vinegar stops the stinging cells firing.
Freshwater beasties - parasitic diseases like Schistosomiasis can be picked up during swimming in some areas. swimming in contaminated water can cause diseases such as Giardiasis.
Scuba diving - some countries require a medical, or your travel insurance might require that you do. Over at Aquamarine Medicals we are happy to help. Stay within your qualifications or your holiday insurance might not pay for recompression if you need it.
Fire and electrical safety
Regulations overseas may differ from the UK and safety standards may not be as high.
Fire - Think of where your fire exit and evacuation route might be whether in your accommodation, clubs, bars, theatres or any other large buildings. Read fire safety information. Writing this as someone who helped empty a swimming pool in Indonesia to put out a fire once, locate fire alarms or fire equipment.
In the event of a fire evacuate immediately and don’t stop to get belongings. Raise the alarm if you can but don’t put yourself in danger. Never use a lift to escape.
Electricity - Don’t use or touch damaged or scorched electrical sockets and tell the accommodation owners. Check mains voltage in countries you are travelling and what adaptors you need. Never use mains powered appliances in the bathroom.
Adventure Sports
With risk of sounding like spoilsports…
Travel insurance - does yours cover the activity?
Equipment - does it look it look safe and not over used or old? Is there any safety equipment?
Guides / instructors - are they qualified to carry out this activity? Do they have a good reputation?
You - are you physically able to do the activity? Do you have the right training?
Many countries may not have reliable or easy access to good health care or emergency services. Lack of urgent care will have direct outcomes on any accident or injury.
References and further information
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/accident-prevention
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/25/personal-safety
