The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued an updated travel warning for UK tourists in Spain, urging them to "take care when swimming" following several tragic drownings, including two British children who died on June 17 and 20.
Swimming Pool Warning
The Foreign Office specifically warned about swimming pools, stating: "Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present." Sebastián Quintana, an expert in drowning prevention, noted that a "lack of attention, supervision, or even absence" by adults is the main cause of such tragedies. He added: "A child won’t scream for help. Drowning is a very quick and silent event."
Sea Swimming Precautions
The warning extends to all UK tourists, particularly when swimming in the sea around Spanish islands, due to strong undercurrents. The Foreign Office advised: "Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-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."
The department emphasized the importance of beach flag systems: "Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs. If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows."
