Flash 10 is needed for this
Download Flash here.

Water Safety on Holiday: Lessons for Festival Travellers

Stories about injuries on floating attractions, such as inflatable sea trampolines and water parks offered on cruise excursions or beach holidays, are a reminder that leisure activities near water carry real risks. Whatever the outcome of any individual legal case, the general lessons apply to anyone planning a trip, whether that is a Caribbean cruise or a summer weekend at a reggae festival in Germany.

Before you jump

  • Read the rules and listen to the briefing. Operators usually set limits on how many people can use an inflatable at once and on where you may jump. These limits exist because collisions and awkward landings cause most injuries.
  • Check the depth and the surroundings. Never jump into water you have not seen, and make sure the landing zone is clear of swimmers, rocks and other equipment.
  • Wear the life jacket provided. Even strong swimmers can be winded or disoriented after a fall from height.
  • Skip it if you have been drinking. Alcohol slows reactions and affects balance, and that is a common factor in holiday accidents.

If something goes wrong

Get medical attention first and keep records: photos, the names of the operator and staff on duty, receipts and any incident report. Travel insurance terms vary a lot, so read the policy before you go, especially the cover for adventure or water activities. If you are thinking about a claim, talk to a qualified lawyer, because rules on liability and time limits depend on the country and on the contract you signed.

Bringing it back to festival season

The same common sense helps at open-air events: stay hydrated, look after friends, and know where first aid is on site. For practical planning, see our camping information and travel tips before heading to Fulda.