Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
Beach days, exciting watersports, fun-filled splash parks – water plays a big part in our holidays. And we certainly don’t want to rain on your parade. But it’s important to stay safe when you go for a dip, especially with little ones. Whether you’re snorkelling somewhere exotic or simply playing in the pool, it’s best to know what you’re doing. That’s where ABTA – the UK’s largest travel association –comes in. ABTA’s Swim Safe campaign outlines a few golden rules for staying safe in the water. We caught up with them to hear their top tips. Have a read, then you’ll be all set to get your holiday booked.
Has it been a while since you last went swimming? Visit your local pool before you go away, to practise your front crawl and boss your breast stroke. If you’re really rusty, maybe consider getting a few lessons before your holiday. Remember to update your packing list, too, so that your kids’ armbands and inflatables end up making it into your suitcase.
If you’re staying at a TUI BLUE For Families hotel, your tots can flash their flippers at our bookable Swim Schools, for an extra fee. Splash & Play sessions are designed for kids aged four and over, where they’ll learn to float on their back, glide through a hula hoop and pick something up from the pool floor. Or, there’s Swim School for children aged five or more. Step by step, kids will learn to dive into deep water and swim confidently. After 10 lessons, we guarantee they’ll be able to swim 10 metres.
It might seem obvious, but keep an eye on your surroundings when your family is in the water. The beach and the poolside often get very busy, so be aware of where your kids are and how deep the water is. And, when you’re in the sea, look out for rocks, reefs and sudden drop-offs.
Always pay attention to the signs, by both the pool and the sea. If you’re unsure what a flag on the beach means, ask the lifeguard. If there’s a no-swim zone in place – part of the beach might be a jet-skiing area, for example – find a different spot to swim. Our reps are super clued-up on our destinations, so if you want to know the best local swimming spots, just ask.
Even confident swimmers can get into difficulty, so it’s best not to swim alone – teamwork makes the dream work. Little ones should always be supervised, even if they’re wearing armbands. And, tempting though it might be, never go swimming at night.
Want to find out more about safe swimming?
See a full list of ABTA’s Swim Safe tips. Or, watch this video about swimming safely in the pool.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Hannah Stratton
A handful of pools, three restaurants and design-led interiors are all part of the package at this brand-new hotel.
Set in a pretty nature reserve, the Robinson Club Quinta da Ria is in the eastern Algarve near Tavira, and even offers guided cycling tours.
Foodies are in for a treat with TUI SENSATORI Punta Cana’s swish gourmet dining scene. The four pools, activities, entertainment and beachfront location are just as impressive.
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Mid/Long haul
Short Haul
Flights To
Cruise
Hotels
More from TUI
About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.