Carry on Camping

30I07I09

CARRY ON CAMPING!

Many of us will grab the chance this summer holiday season to relax, recuperate, and soak up the sun. Now is the time to escape our everyday routines and do something different. Many of us might even opt to step outside our comfort zones and attempt adventurous new feats. Are we sufficiently aware of the potential risks, though, and do we do enough to avoid accidents, particularly those of us with children? No one wants to visit A&E when on holiday, do they?

From experience I would be inclined to say no. We generally aren’t aware of the dangers of throwing caution to the wind, often in an unfamiliar environment overseas. Accidents do happen, of course, and statistics suggest that the number of incidents does increase at this time of year. It is astonishing to note, however, how many of these mishaps could be avoided.

Many of the stereotypical risks of holidaying abroad are well documented - loose pool tiles, poorly maintained balcony railings, dodgy seafood and faulty sun loungers. Mishaps occurring far closer to home, though, are an increasingly worrying phenomenon. Summer is barely upon us, yet the news of a shocking number of tragic accidents has already spread. The rapid actions of RNLI lifeguards recently in Tenby, Pembrokeshire helped to save lives after a sandbank collapsed into the sea.  Such reports emphasise the need to take precautions, particularly where children are involved.

As a father of two young boys, when I hear about children being injured, I often think of a judge’s remark reminding us never to underestimate 'children's ingenuity in finding unexpected ways of doing mischief to themselves and others'. While a shrewd observation that will certainly resonate among most parents, it is worth remembering that as adults too, we could be taking more precautions.

So far this summer we’ve heard tragic stories of people who have drowned, fallen from cliff tops, and been trampled to death by cattle; mostly situations where people find themselves in unfamiliar territory without taking necessary precautions. We all know that it’s impossible to keep children on a tight leash, particularly on holiday. And why would we want to? Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing our kids enjoy themselves and run free. But when it comes to trying something new or unfamiliar, it is essential that we know our limits and act with common sense.

Here are a few basic points of advice. 1) stay on the beaten track; 2) know your limits in the water; 3) don’t assume an activity centre or watersports club has insurance to meet health and safety criteria - ask the question!

Equally important is the need to consider risks to others, not only to ourselves and our children. It was horrific to read about the young girl who suffered severe burns to her feet on Langland beach in Swansea after treading on a barbecue which had been covered with sand and discarded by its user. Greater care should obviously have been taken to ensure that the coals were safe, considering the reasonable assumption that a child might be playing nearby.

The advice is clear – do enjoy yourself when you go away and definitely try new things, leaving your worries and woes at home. Just don’t forget to take your common sense with you!

Contact:

For further information contact:

Cenric Clement-Evans

Partner and Head of Workplace Accidents and Injury,

T  029 2022 4871

E  cenric.clement.evans@hughjames.com

Joe Purcell,

Business Development Manager,

T  029 2039 1061

E  joe.purcell@hughjames.com