Officials Warn of Balcony Injuries

Abta, The Association of British Travel Agents, and the British FCDO, have renewed their calls to travellers about balcony safety. The warning comes after three British Nationals died and a further 3 were seriously injured in the past year, after falling or jumping from a balcony while abroad. With many of these falls involving alcohol and young people, Abta have released tips on how to use balconies safely, all ready for the peak holiday season.

Balconing is a craze that has recently become popular, after raising awareness of the trend on the video sharing site YouTube. Balconing is a highly dangerous trend, that sees predominantly younger people jumping from either balcony to balcony, or from a balcony to a swimming pool. The trend is mainly popular with tourists holidaying in The Balearic Islands of Spain, Ibiza, and Majorca, known for being popular with young party-goers.

Nikki White, the director of destinations and sustainability for Abta, said: “As we head into the peak summer season, we are again urging holidaymakers to think about the potential risks of balconies.

“We see too many people badly injured or much worse because they've tried to climb over, jump or dive from their hotel balcony.

“A moment of thoughtlessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymakers themselves, but also on their family and friends.

“By working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Abta members and local authorities in resort, we hope to help holidaymakers use their balconies sensibly and safely, as do millions of hotel guests around the world.”

Some recent major incidents include a British holidaymaker jumping from one balcony to another (balconing) in Majorca, in July 2015, and consequently suffering from injuries to her arm and major bruising. And in September 2015, a Mum of 3 fell from a balcony and died in Majorca.

Abta have produced a poster and leaflet which are both accessible online with tips on how to take care on balconies and use them safely and in the correct manner. These have also been sent to members of Abta to deliver to their suppliers abroad:

1. Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railings
2. Don't try to pass items to someone on another balcony
3. Don’t climb from one balcony to another
4. Never jump into the pool from your balcony
5. Take extra care on balconies after drinking alcohol, as your judgement may be affected