Child Safety on Holiday

Tips and advice taken from postoffice.co.uk

1. Give everyone a set of contact details

Write down the address of where you’re staying, your own contact number, and the phone number of the accommodation hotel – then put it safe in a zip pocket on each child’s clothing.

For older children with mobiles, make sure they have the address saved on their phones too – just in case. But don’t just rely on phones, as these can easily get lost.

A lot of websites sell ID bracelets – you can just slip a piece of paper inside a window containing all your contact details.

2. Arrange a meeting point if you get separated

Whenever you’re in a large, crowded area you should pick a landmark for the family to meet at if anyone gets lost. Pick something large, distinctive, and easy to find.

3. Give them instructions if they get lost

Make sure they know what to do if they get lost and can’t find you. Explain that if they can’t find you, they should find either a staff member, a policeman, a mummy or daddy who has other little girls and boys with them.

It’s best to do this at home before the holiday starts – it’s a lot to take in, especially during all the excitement that comes with a family holiday.

4. Research the area

Do your own first-hand research of what to watch out for when you are visiting North Devon – whether it’s online before you go, or having a quick chat with the hotel / acomodation staff when you arrive. North Devon is a very safe place but there are still dangers – ie, strong tides and big cliffs.

5. Slap on the sun cream

Kids may groan about it, but they need to be covered up. That means high-factor sun cream – at least factor 30 – applied regularly.

Toddlers should wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the delicate skin around their head and neck, while babies should always be kept to the shade. And don’t forget – you need some too.

6. Watch out for the water

Even if your child is a strong swimmer, don’t let young children swim unattended. And if your little one isn’t a born swimmer, make sure they have arm bands or another flotation device.

If you are looking for a pool, pick one that’s fenced, with locking gates – then they can’t wander off. And find out if there’s a lifeguard on duty.

On the beach, ask a lifeguard which area is safe to swim – and if there are any tides or currents to watch out for.

7. Pack a basic first aid kit

As well as a basic first aid kit, bring medicine in case anyone gets poorly – Calpol and electrolyte solution will help if any little ones get an upset stomach.

8. Make staff aware of allergies

If your child has any allergies, make sure hotel staff are aware – look up phrases to explain your child’s allergy before you go to help avoid any language barriers.

If they have a severe allergy, consider a medic alert bracelet. Make sure you have any emergency medication on hand – whether it’s an epi-pen, inhaler or steroids.

9. Check the room

When you arrive at the hotel/ accommodation, give your room a quick once-over – make sure little bodies can’t squeeze through any balcony railings and that fire escapes are working and accessible.

The information on this page was sourced from postoffice.co.uk