Staying safe on holiday in Wales

As a responsible tourism destination we are committed to support the safety of the people of Wales and the visitors we welcome each year. We're inviting all visitors to Wales to make a promise to care for each other and this epic land.

Let’s keep doing the little things that will make a big difference.

For information relating to Covid-19 and travelling to Wales from outside of the UK please see the Welsh Government coronavirus guidance.

If you're an international visitor, please check the UK Government's guidance on visas and immigration.

Healthcare in Wales is usually provided by the National Health Service. If you live in the UK, most healthcare is provided free of charge. If you are visiting us from overseas then there may a be charge if you need to access healthcare.

If you need treatment, you should be advised by the provider what you will be charged for and the costs. It is a good idea to make sure you have appropriate health insurance in place before you travel to the UK.

If you are feeling ill, the NHS website has a guide to finding which service you need. It includes information about the different services available, a symptom checker and where to find your nearest NHS doctor, dentist, pharmacy, opticians, sexual health clinic, hospital or Accident and Emergency Department. Some hospitals have Minor Injury Units for injuries which aren't serious or life-threatening.

For serious or life-threatening emergencies, call 999 at once and ask for an ambulance.

Pharmacies are a good place to ask for advice and medication if you are feeling unwell. They can help you decide if you need to see a healthcare professional. Pharmacies sell products for treating minor illnesses and injuries, as well as providing prescription medicines and sexual health advice. You can also buy many non-prescription medications including painkillers, insect repellent, plasters, sun cream/after sun, condoms and some ointments at supermarkets.

Dentists are usually private practices and charge for treatment. You can search for a dentist offering NHS treatments on the NHS Wales website.

Opticians can be found in most major towns and cities. They offer eye examinations and can provide prescription glasses/contact lenses. Some people may be entitled to free eye tests and money towards glasses. Find out further information and how to find an optician on the NHS Wales website.

The Countryside Code is there to help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely, to show respect for each other, protect our environment, our wildlife and our beautiful landscape.

Other Codes for activities including dog walking, watersports and angling can also be found on the Natural Resources Wales website.

Before you head out walking along our beautiful trails, up our mountains or around water, make sure you’re properly prepared so you can enjoy your day out safely. The Adventure Smart website has more information on how to make a good day better.

Weather in Wales can change quickly, especially near the coast, at the beach, in our National Parks and on our mountains. Be ready for the weather to change and check the weather forecast before travelling. Ensure you pack sensible clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, suitable equipment, food, water and other supplies to suit the weather.

Natural Resources Wales has advice on how to prepare for flooding:

• Check the flood risk for the area where you are visiting or staying so you can see the potential risks of an area
• Check if the area is covered for free flood warnings or alerts for flooding from rivers or the sea. A flood alert would be issued if we expect flooding to a caravan or campsite. You can sign up, amend or cancel a flood warning account online.
• Check the forecast for the 5 day flood risk in the area
• Write down Floodline’s number 0345 988 1188 24-hour service in case you need live flooding information.
• Your accommodation or campsite may have developed a flood plan – ask before you arrive or on arrival, so you know if there are assembly points or flood warning information signs on site.
• Think about ‘what if’ scenarios of the site or surrounding roads flooding – what would you do and what would you need?

Further information and advice on extreme weather events including very hot, very cold and flooding is available from the Public Health Wales website.

Many families love a day out on the beach – building sandcastles, paddling and exploring rock pools are all part of a proper seaside holiday. Before you visit a beach, check out any potential dangers - such as rip tides and strong currents - that might be there. If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach. If you have a dog with you, be aware that some beaches have areas where dogs are restricted during the summer. Take a look at the RNLI’s Beach Safety advice pages for tips to stay safe and have fun. The advice also covers cold water shock, and what to do if you, or someone else, is in danger in the water.

Open water swimming is becoming more popular due to the benefits to your health and wellbeing as well as being a fun activity. However, it's a lot different to swimming in a swimming pool. Expect the water temperatures to be a lot colder, there are risks of hidden dangers and for coastal areas you have the risk of rip tides and currents. We recommend you never swim alone, find one of the many local open water swimming groups we have in Wales and swim in one of Swim Wales’ SAFE Cymru accredited facilities. Further information on where to go swimming and how to be safe can be found on the Swim Wales website. 

If you are using barbeques or fire pits, think about everyone you are with and where you are. Stay safe by:

• Making sure that the BBQ/fire pit is on flat ground away from trees, grass and plants;
• Use them in a really airy place, ideally outdoors;
• Don’t leave a BBQ or fire pit unattended;
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the BBQ; and
• Make sure the BBQ is cool or the fire is out before trying to move it or throw it away.

Don’t bury used BBQs in the sand – someone may stand on it and burn themselves. Instead, please wait until it is completely cool and dispose of in a general waste bin.

Sleeping in different types of holiday accommodation is one of the best bits about being on holiday but, as at home, it's always a good idea to have an escape plan in case of a fire. Self catering accommodation and hotels should have fire alarms and signposted fire exits / escape routes in place. Always make sure you know what their fire safety procedures are once you've arrived so you know what to do in an emergency.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has some useful advice for fire safety in tents, caravans and in general.

Carbon monoxide (CO) has no colour, smell or taste. It can be made when wood, oil, coal, gas and charcoal are burned. It is very poisonous to humans and pets and symptoms include: feeling sick, dizzy or breathless or passing out. It can kill people.

Avoid CO poisoning on holiday by:

• Taking a CO alarm with you and using it;
• Never taking a BBQ indoors or into a tent or caravan; and
• Never using a generator indoors.

More information and advice can be found on Public Health Wales' Carbon Monoxide advice webpage.

When you are on holiday, it is easy to forget to do things that you are normally careful about at home. Making sure your little ones sleep safely on holiday is still really important.

Remember the Safer Sleep advice:

• Make sure that the sleep space is clear and flat, such as a cot or crib, not a sofa or armchair. Remove any toys or loose blankets;
• Put your baby on their back to sleep; and 
• Bed-sharing – you should not bed-share if you have:
  • Recently been drinking any alcohol;
  • You or your partner smoke;
  • You have taken any drugs that make you feel sleepy or less aware; and 
  • Your baby was born prematurely or very small.

The Lullaby Trust has more information on keeping little ones safe as they sleep.