Foreign Office shares warning to anyone swimming in holiday hotspot

People swimming abroad are urged to "stop and think"

The Foreign Office has updated travel advice for people planning to visit Barbados and those already in the country. The Caribbean country is visited by millions of tourists every year due to its extraordinary landscapes and hot weather.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. The latest update from the travel agency is about the safety of swimming in the country.

The FCDO warns holidaymakers to "take good care" when swimming. Currents can be deceptively strong, including on some of the popular beaches on the south and west coasts.

Some beaches in Barbados do not have lifeguards or warning flags. This poses a risk to all who enter the water. While some lifeguard stations are manned, many of them are not manned 24 hours every day.

Motorised water sports equipment including jet skis, dive boats on snorkelling tours and catamarans (a vessel that features two parallel, separate hulls), may operate near to the shore. The FCDO warns: "Be mindful of these as well as other swimmers who may use non-motorised, large water equipment like surfboards."

Swimming is not recommended on many of the east-coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. According to the Royal Life Saving Society, in the last two years an average of 82 British citizens per year have drowned abroad

The RLS warns people to stop and think, while staying together, they state: "Things can be different on holiday, so take time to review safety notices and learn what local signs and flags mean.

"Survey your surroundings, look for potential hazards and warn members of your group to avoid possible risks. Another piece of advice is "Never use inflatables in open water. Although they look fun, inflatables can quickly get caught in the wind and be blown out to sea.

You should always choose to visit a lifeguarded venue wherever possible. Research the resort you are going to ahead of your trip. Swimming with others can also be safer.

Before you travel to Barbados, you should check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

The Barbados healthcare system is not as extensive as the UK. Queen Elizabeth Hospital can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases may need emergency evacuation. You can call the hospital helpline to speak with a healthcare professional.

Medical treatment in Barbados can be expensive. Check private clinics’ prepayment policies, as they may not accept medical travel insurance as payment.