The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated the travel advice for Spain to advise British travellers regarding balcony falls and balconing.
ABTA is renewing calls for holidaymakers to take care and use their balconies safely. Earlier in 2016, there were three balcony falls reported to the FCO, resulting in serious injury. This represents just a fraction of the total number of incidents.
ABTA sees too many people badly injured or much worse because they’ve tried to climb over, jump or dive from their hotel balcony. 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 updated statement reads: 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.
Some local councils 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.
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