Britons travelling to Spain have been issued fresh travel advice regarding the hidden dangers of swimming, advising travellers to “take care.”
The Government website has been updated following the record-breaking heatwave over the last week.
The website now warns visitors that: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The warning to Britons comes just weeks after an Oxford professor told GB News that one in four children in British primary schools leaves unable to swim.
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Professor Carl Heneghan, Director of Oxford University’s Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, spoke out after 11 heartbreaking drowning deaths during Britain’s record-breaking May heatwave.
The urgent care GP said new rules should be introduced, ensuring every child can demonstrate basic water safety skills before leaving primary school.
Prof Heneghan carried out research showing the recent tragedies are not isolated incidents but part of a national “swimming crisis”.
His analysis reveals more than one in four children leave primary school unable to swim 25 metres unaided, despite swimming being a compulsory part of the national curriculum.
This means hundreds of thousands of youngsters are leaving school without a basic life-saving skill. And the numbers are far higher – 35 per cent – among low-income families.
His research also shows an estimated 14 million adults cannot swim a 25-metre length.
Water safety experts have repeatedly warned open water can remain dangerously cold even during hot weather, increasing the risk of cold-water shock.
The condition can cause involuntary gasping, breathing difficulties and panic, making it difficult even for competent swimmers to stay afloat.
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