|
|
 |
Health and Safety |
 |
| |
This Health & Safety information, together with the Useful Information section and
Booking Conditions contained on our website, will form the basis of your agreement with
Villa Plus Ltd ('the Company'). They apply only to holiday arrangements which you book
with us in the UK and which we agree to make, provide or perform as applicable as part of
our agreement with you.
Please note, it is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services
which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services and not those of the
UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK
and may sometimes be lower.
|
IMPORTANT VILLA INFORMATION
Within your villa, you will find a manual with safety information specific to each villa.
Please take the time on arrival to familiarise yourself with the safety features and layout
of the villa. In particular if you are travelling with children, please take the time to
point out to them any areas in which they should take particular care such as the pool or
on balconies. If you should have any questions or concerns in this regard, our Villa
Representative will be happy to assist. If you have any concerns, please call her/him on
the number found in your travel documents and villa manual.
|
VILLA AND SAFETY
We aim to ensure that all of our villas are as child friendly as possible. However, care
should always be taken, especially round the pool area with supervision being given to
children at all times. We do sell holidays aimed at families and make efforts to ensure
that reasonable care has been taken to address matters within the borders of the properties.
Some villas are better suited than others for young children and the less mobile, so we advise
you to fully investigate the suitability of the property before you book.
|
Telephone us and ask as many questions as you want. If something is important to you,
do not assume but discuss with a member of our reservation team who will assist you with
your query.
|
Despite our efforts and advice given, it is ultimately your responsibility for the care
and safety of the members of your group.
|
Many terrace walls are 90cms to 1 metre high, whilst others may be less. There may also be
roof terraces with low walls, where in most cases we ensure these are gated or blocked off.
However, depending on the layout and design of the property this is not always possible.
|
If you have any concerns about the safety of your villa please contact your Villa
Representative immediately. Any genuine problems brought to our attention will be dealt with
as quickly as is locally possible, if feasible.
|
Many single storey villas have several steps inside them and gardens may have some drops or
slopes. Several villas have staircases that can be steep and occasionally low head heights.
|
|
We insist that all our villas with gas installations have been inspected by a qualified gas
safety engineer and carbon monoxide detectors are installed for your reassurance.
|
 |
 |
| |
SWIMMING POOLS
The pool sizes in our descriptions are approximate and for guidance only. Some pools are
irregular shaped and have been measured at the longest and widest points. Pools are maintained
and cleaned on a regular basis. A pool net is provided, and it is normal custom for clients
to remove any debris such as leaves and twigs.
|
Occasionally, due to extensive use of the pool, water in the ears can cause an ear infection,
especially with children. This does not necessarily mean the pool does not have the correct
level of chlorine but it should immediately be checked out. A simple precautionary measure is
to dry your ears well after you leave the pool to ensure you remove any trapped water that may
become infected.
|
If you have any concerns about your pool, contact our Villa Representative immediately.
Some pools now have salt-water filtration systems as opposed to using chlorine.
Please ensure that the villa you book is suitable for your requirements regarding children and
non-swimmers.
The swimming pool is an essential part of holidaying for many people, but remember that, misused, it can be dangerous. However, by applying just a few simple common sense rules you can be sure of thoroughly enjoying your time in the pool.
|
|
Make sure you know the depths of the pool either by looking on the website or by calling us on
01727 836686.
|
|
| Please observe our strict no diving policy. |
|
Do not run around the pool side, this especially applies to children with wet feet.
Some areas may be slippery when wet.
|
|
Do not go out of your depth and know your own limits. |
|
Do not swim if the water is unclear or you cannot see the bottom. If this is the case contact
your representative as soon as possible. Heavy weather or thunderstorms can cause pools to
turn cloudy. Cloudiness can also be caused by excess suntan oil, especially when non water
proof types are used. Please remember that use of the poolside shower before swimming can help
to keep the pool clean. Children and fair skinned people should wear a hat and T-shirt whilst
in the pool as harmful ultra violet rays can penetrate water up to a depth of 1.5m and are
reflected off the water surface.
|
|
Beware of dangerous surfaces, drainage channels slippery tiles or raised edges.
|
|
Always supervise children and non-swimmers in and around the pool area. |
|
|
Avoid swimming if you have been drinking alcohol, especially late at night. Do not swim within
1 hour of eating - it can be fatal.
|
|
|
| |
SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENT OR CLOSURE
|
In the event of an accident in or around the immediate area of the pool, you must report this
straight away to your Villa Representative, who will attend the villa. Any fault with the pool
or its equipment will be inspected and immediate action taken to correct the problem. If, in
the opinion of the Villa Representative the pool must be closed for your safety until a repair
is facilitated, you will be instructed in writing to cease using the pool.
In the case of swimming pool closure for whatever reason, our liability shall not exceed 33% of the villa rental portion of the holiday cost during that time.
|
|
|
| |
SWIMMING POOL HEATING
|
Many of our pools (see individual villa details) have been fitted with pool heating, which
is free of charge, making the pool 3° C to 5° C warmer than a non-heated pool under
normal circumstances at the relevant time of year. This provides the pool with a beneficial
warming, but does not make it a 'hot' pool.
|
Between November and April the pool heating equipment may not be adequate to heat the pool to
a comfortable temperature and under these circumstances, no refund will apply. Villa Plus
cannot be responsible for any non-operational time out of our control. In the case of any
malfunction, we will endeavour to rectify it as soon as possible and our liability shall not
exceed £150 per villa per week in total.
|
If the pool has a cover, please use it. It will significantly increase the temperature of the
water. but care must be taken at all times when a pool cover is used to ensure the safety of
users especially children.
|
|
Please note that pool heating is not required during the hot months of July and August and
therefore pool heating is not turned on. Additionally, should the pool temperature exceed
28° C the pool heating will be turned off. It is harder to retain the correct chemical balance when the pool water is above 28° C.
|
|
|
| |
INFINITY OR SPILL OVER SWIMMING POOLS
|
|
Some of our villas feature an infinity or spill over pool, which means one side of the pool is a water fall with no barrier. When you are swimming the blue of the pool, meets the blue of the sky or sea, which aesthetically is very pleasing. These pools are safe but care should be taken regarding children. If you have any doubts about the suitability of this type of pool, please enquire at the time of booking for details of your chosen villas pool.
|
|
|
| |
SWIMMING POOL WATER/COLOUR EFFECT
|
Chlorine is a natural bleaching agent. The more the pool is used and the warmer the weather,
the more chemicals are required to keep swimming pool water safe to use. This can react with
certain fabrics and dyes used on them, causing them to lighten or discolour. Many items of
swimwear carry warnings to this effect and Villa Plus does not accept any responsibility for
any damage caused to client's property, whilst complying with our contractual obligations to
ensure your swimming pool remains safe to use.
|
|
We would advise that certain colours of blonde hair may also develop a green tinge. This
reaction is natural and does not mean the chemical balance of water is incorrect. Please
ensure you rinse your hair thoroughly in fresh water after using the pool. Shampoos are
available both in the UK and in most supermarkets or chemists abroad which can resolve this
problem.
|
|
|
| |
GLASS WINDOWS AND DOORS
|
Please be very careful with windows, especially full length glass patio doors. The glass may
not be toughened and occasionally, in a strange environment, accidents occur more easily than
they can do so at home.
|
LOCAL BEACHES
|
|
Please be aware of the local safety precautions when you visit the beaches. At all times for
your own safety comply with the suggestions of local lifeguards, warning notices or flag
systems. Should you have any concerns consult a qualified authority or your Villa Plus Villa
Representative.
|
|
|
| |
LINEN AND WASHING MACHINES
|
|
Linen is supplied. Should any person in your party have allergies to washing substances,
please bring your own.
|
|
|
| |
GAS SUPPLY
|
|
Where gas water heaters are used in villas, they are subject to an inspection by local
qualified engineers and a worthiness certificate issued. For additional peace of mind, a
carbon monoxide detector will be provided.
|
|
|
| |
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
|
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition which has the potential to affect travellers
regardless of mode of transport. The risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is
extremely low. However any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in DVT. This
occurs when a blood clot forms, usually in the lower leg.
|
This is a serious medical condition, and needs treatment with blood thinning drugs or
anticoagulants to prevent clots breaking off from the DVT and travelling to the lungs causing
significant illness and, on rare occasions, death.
|
People at increased risk include those with a history of thrombosis, those taking an oral
contraceptive pill or who are pregnant, those recently hospitalised, smokers, the obese, some
patients with congestive heart failure and people with malignant disease. Dehydration may
exacerbate the problem.
|
Here are a few suggestions, which may help to make your journey more comfortable and reduce
the risk:
|
|
| Drink plenty of water and limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption.
| | Avoid smoking before travel. | | Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes.
| |
Try to walk around the cabin at regular intervals. | |
| Avoid crossing your legs. | | Remember to pack any prescription medicine in your hand baggage and take it in accordance with your doctor's instructions | |
| It may be helpful to wear elastic stockings. |
|
|
|
| |
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
|
|
If you or any member of your party has a medical condition we suggest you contact your travel insurance company at the time of booking, to report any pre-existing condition. Thus you can ensure you are covered for all eventualities.
|
|
|
| |
SECURITY
|
Crimes against people and property are a fact of life and you have the same responsibility for your personal safety as you do at home. All clients should be extra vigilant and ensure great care is taken of your property. Be sure to close and lock all the villas windows, shutters and doors at night and set the security devices when you are away from the villa during the day or at night time when you are in bed, depending on the type of system installed. Additionally take care to lock your villa when you are relaxing around the swimming pool or perhaps enjoying an afternoon snooze or siesta.
|
|
In the event of theft, report this to your local police and inform your Villa Plus Villa Representative. Be sure you obtain a police report covering the incident or loss, in order to make a claim on your holiday insurance. Please note we do not offer compensation resulting from activities of theft or accept any responsibility for such matters.
|
|
|
| |
CHILDREN'S SAFETY
|
|
Children are naturally curious where there are lots of things and areas to explore. Ensure your children are not left unsupervised at any time and be especially careful with balconies, swimming pools and other potentially dangerous areas.
|
|
|
| |
ROAD SAFETY
|
|
The rules of the road are different to that of the UK and we ask you to take extra care and ensure you comply with the local regulations at all times.
|
|
|
| |
TRAVEL ADVICE
|
|
Should you have any concerns about your holiday destination we suggest you contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.
|
|
|
| |
|