The UK government has updated its advice for British holidaymakers in Spain, with reminders about water safety, balcony accidents and the local laws on drinking that can lead to fines.
Children and water
- Supervise children at all times near water, including in pools with lifeguards.
- Keep young children within arm’s reach.
- Teach basic water safety rules before the trip.
Swimming in the sea
- Currents can be strong and appear suddenly.
- Never dive into unfamiliar water: rocks and shallow areas can cause serious injury.
- Take care near river mouths, where currents are unpredictable.
Beach flags
- Red: do not enter the water.
- Yellow: swim with caution.
- Green: conditions are calm, but stay alert.
If there are no flags or lifeguards, take extra care and ask local people for advice. Waves can also reach further up the beach than expected.
Balconies
Falls from hotel balconies, often linked to alcohol or drugs, cause deaths and serious injuries every summer. Travellers are urged never to climb or lean over balcony railings or jump between balconies. Some areas fine or evict guests for dangerous behaviour, and travel insurance may not cover accidents that occur while intoxicated.
Drinking in public
Drinking alcohol in the street is banned in many Spanish towns and can lead to on-the-spot fines.
The Balearic rules
In parts of Mallorca and Ibiza — including Magaluf, Playa de Palma and Sant Antoni — the Balearic government’s decree on tourist excess restricts the sale and promotion of alcohol. Banned activities include:
- happy hours and open-bar deals;
- alcohol from vending machines and self-service dispensers;
- organised pub crawls;
- party boats in these zones;
- off-licence alcohol sales between 9.30pm and 8am.
Breaking the rules can lead to fines, and hotels can expel guests for antisocial behaviour.
A simple checklist
- Supervise children near water.
- Learn the beach flag system.
- Stay safe on balconies, especially after drinking.
- Know the drinking laws in the area you’re visiting.
- Take out adequate travel insurance and carry a valid GHIC or EHIC.
