FCO updates balcony safety advice for Spain
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for Spain to advise British travellers about the dangers of balcony falls.
It comes after three balcony falls reported to the FCO earlier this year resulting in serious injury.
This represents just a fraction of the total number of incidents, said ABTA, which has renewed its call for holidaymakers to take care and use their balconies safely.
"ABTA sees too many people badly injured or much worse because they’ve tried to climb over, jump or dive from their hotel balcony," said ABTA.
"A moment of thoughtlessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymaker themselves, but also on their family and friends."
The Foreign office advice for Spain says: "There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies.
"Many of these incidents have involved British nationals under the influence of drink or drugs. Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place while you’re under the influence of drink or drugs."
It also warned that some local councils in Spain will impose fines to those caught behaving irresponsibly on balconies or practising ‘balconing’.
ABTA and the FCO have put together the following tips on using balconies safely:
– Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railings.
– Don’t try to pass items to someone on another balcony
– Don’t climb from one balcony to another.
– Never stand on balcony furniture.
– Never jump into the pool from your balcony.
= Take extra care on balconies after drinking alcohol as your judgement may be affected.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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