Staying Safe on the Orihuela Costa.
Whether you live here on the Orihuela Costa, work here, do business here, have a holiday home, or simply come out for a break or a summer holiday, as with any unfamiliar place, common sense must always be key to having a pleasant stay, or make your life and posessions safer.It is vital to look after your person and your things. Like many, many holiday destinations, with the holiday makers come the opportunists, pick pockets, con men, car theives, scammers etc and of course, drunks who just want to fight with the locals, each other, or anyone who wants to.
Make sure that you stay safe, after all it really is only common sense prevailing and it is what you would do at home.
Beach & Climate Safety .
The Costa Blanca is renowned for having strong under currents along it's coastline and sadly, lives have been lost in the past, that may have been saved, if people would bhave obeyed the rules.
Here is some advice for keeping it safe on the beach:-
- Pay attention to the Flags :-
If there is a flag system (on all beaches on the Orihuela Costa), pay attention and make sure that you know the colour codes:-
Red = do NOT swim
Yellow = be very cautious
Green = It is O.K.
Always stay within your depth and away from rocks. Even if you think you are a strong swimmer, always be cautious. - Pay attention to the lifeguards :-
They are there for a reason. The lifeguards are on site to keep the beach safe for everyone, including you. If they are telling you to get out of the sea, it is for your benefit, not theirs. - Don't overdo the tanning :-
It is nice to get a tan and look less pale and interesting, but burning yourself will only lead to a spoiled day, an uncomfortable few days afterward (at the very least), or worse including sunstroke or skin cancer. Take it easy, use a high factor sunscreen and don't stay out too long, especially in the mid-day heat. - Don't drink too much alcohol:-
Will make you lethargic and if you fall asleep on the beach you will get burned. Also reduces your awareness and senses. - Keep your belongings safe:-
Don't take too much money, your good watch, expensive i-pod or camers to the beach with you, or if you do, keep them hidden. Forecast what you will need for your budget and only take that.
This advice also refers to leaving stuff out on your balcony, or overnight, near a window etc.
These are only a few simple rules to make your beach days more enjoyable and hep keep you safer. Always check the rules of the beach, pay attention to what is going on around you and have a better time.
Personal Safety .
It is great being in a new place, having a good time with your loved ones and partying the night away.
You should however, keep your common sense head with you, as there are indiniduals who won't think twice about taking advantage of a situation many different ways.
Here are a few simple guidelines to make your time out go with a swing and not end up in misery or worse.
- Make sure your friends know where you are
If you're in a group and you meet 'that special someone' let your friends know where you are going and give them contact details - Know what you are drinking or taking
Spiked drinks are all the rage, so if someone is buying you a drink, see it being poured and hold onto it, sam goes for anything else you may be embibing. If you leave your drink and are unsure whether or not it may have been spiked, don't drink it. - Keep your sensible head on
Common sense will prevent a night out becoming a nightmare. You practise common sense in familiar surroundings, so why let it disappear in unfamiliar ones.
Community Safety.
The Vecinos Colabarandos are the equivilant of the Neighbourhood Watch system.
It is always a bright idea to have your community involved. During the summer months, people, especially holiday makers, tend to leave their wits behind at home, leaving cameras, wallets, mobile phones etc, on balconies or window ledges providing the perfect opportunity for the opportunistic thief.
If you are a part of the Vecinos Colabarandos scheme, there will be someone on the urbanisation that will keep a lookout to help keep the neighbourhood safe.
If you cannot find a contact number, you can always dial 112 in an emergency.
Always remember:- PREVENTION is better than a theft.
