How to keep your kids safe on holiday

The best way to deal with those concerns, says the parenting website raisingkids.co.uk, is to prepare well - and don't act differently just because you're on holiday.

Raisingkids editor Catherine Hanly advises parents to make sure they have travel insurance before leaving, and warns: "You go away to take a break from your usual routine, but you can take relaxation too far.

"In a strange place where they speak another language and it's very hot, perhaps parents should be even more on their guard with regards to child safety.

"Every parent wants to enjoy their holiday, but you shouldn't change your behaviour just because you're away."

She says taking advantage of kids' clubs is a good idea, as is making sure your child knows the name of the hotel you're staying in, and what to do and who to ask for help if he/she gets lost on a crowded beach, for example.

"You can relax, but be as prepared as possible first," she warns.

As part of that preparation, the first thing parents should do when they arrive at their holiday destination is walk around the area and check for any natural hazards, says Roger Vincent of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

"Quite often when tragedies occur on holidays, it's as families are checking in. That's a real danger time - children are excited, parents are distracted, and the kids can slip away.

"There've been a few drownings within a couple of minutes of people arriving on holiday. It's important to be vigilant right from the start."

Parents should check the depth of swimming pools, and ensure the kids know where they're allowed to go on the holiday site, he says.

"The kids might get up early while you're having a well-deserved lie-in, so they need to know what they can do. And sometimes parents may doze off in the sun and a child might wander off. Just try to keep an eye on them."

But parents who are worried their guard might occasionally slip might want to register with Family Safe Holidays, which provides an online account to store vital information in case of emergencies on holiday. As well as contact numbers, passport details, medical information and so on, the account includes a recent photograph of children on the holiday, so if they go missing for any reason, a poster can be produced and made available on the internet or via e-mail.

The founder of Family Safe Holidays, Paul Kent, is offering free registration to the scheme for families' next holiday and six weeks after it.

He says: "Family holidays should be happy, enjoyable times and provide lasting memories for the right reasons. We hope that our scheme provides peace of mind, and reassurance that help is at hand should you need it."

HOLIDAY WATER SAFETY: IN THE POOL OR IN THE SEA

A large percentage of child holiday deaths are due to drowning. Adult supervision near water is essential - it can only take two minutes for a child to drown.

If holidaying at the seaside beware of lagoons - there are often strong currents, which could carry a child out to sea.

Watch for lilos. A child could be swept beyond his depth and find himself in danger. Do not think if your child is wearing a buoyancy aid or water wings he is safe. They still need supervision because they can easily tip over.

Always take note of safety notices. Swim where there are lifeguards and between the marked flags.

Always supervise children especially the young near water. Even if they can swim they still need to be watched.

Swimming pools at holiday homes should be fully fenced, preferably with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

Don't prop the pool fence gate open. Many children have drowned in fenced pools because someone left the gate open and a child wandered in.

Make sure there is nothing for your child to climb on to near the pool fence, such as pot plants or trees. Make sure your child does not have access to the pool from your holiday home.

Never rely on flotation devices to protect your child.