Safety: Don't drown

Any water, however deep, poses a threat to swimmers of all ages. Before you leap into the sea, a river or lake abroad, ask a local about where it's safe and hygienic to swim, and follow their lead.

General safety

• If you're travelling with children, look for beaches that families, rather than surfers, use. Get advice about currents and tides so you know which patches of water to avoid and the safest times to swim
• If a beach has flags warning of currents and possible danger, heed them
• Stay clear of rocks where currents may be strong
• Be careful when you walk into the sea - some beaches have sharp slopes
• Look out for dangerous sea creatures
• Before you dive, check how deep the water is
• Don't swim in murky water
• After a meal, wait for an hour before swimming
• Don't swim if you're hung over, groggy or light-headed

Babies and children

The excitement of being on holiday can make children more reckless, so they need to be watched even more closely around water when they're abroad. With beginners, try to strike a balance between teaching caution and encouraging play so they don't develop a fear of water.

• Invest in swimsuits with buoyancy aids sewn in for young children
• Never let children of any age swim unsupervised
• Encourage swimming in a group for extra safety
• Don't let children get too tired or cold - encourage occasional breaks

Aches and pains

Muscle cramps can be harmful if they stop you from swimming properly. Avoid them by stretching before a swim and not swimming in very cold water, when overly tired, and straight after a meal. If you're prone to cramp, make sure someone looks out for you while you swim, if possible.