Health and Safety

Holiday Villas with Private Pools to rent in Algarve, Corfu, Kefalonia, Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Menorca, Mallorca, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife

Home

Destinations

Why Book With Us?

Information

Brochure Request

email sign up

FAQ's

About Us

MyHelp Page

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 ("we" or "us"). 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. . References to "you" and "your" include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

Our employees, agents and suppliers will use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing your arrangements as applicable. It is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used and our employees, agents or suppliers have been negligent if you wish to make any claim against us, as detailed in our booking conditions under clause 1 Our Liability

For quick reference please see copy of liability clauses in our booking conditions

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.

Should you have an accident anywhere in or around the villa you must report this straight away to your Villa Representative.

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.

The ground surface inside and outside the villa may be wet due to the maid cleaning them on arrival, departure and any other day when the maid service is carried out. Be aware of the ground condition at all times and be cautious by taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety and especially that of children and the elderly. At other times, ground areas open to the elements or subject to dousing in water from the swimming pool may be wet and caution is required at all times.

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.

All our villas are fitted with a smoke detector. In the event of a fire you should immediately vacate the villa ensuring all members of your party have been evacuated and are safe. After accounting for the members of your party call the emergency services and your Villa Plus Representative.

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 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 you cannot see the bottom of the pool. 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 at 1 pm during the day 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 £150.00 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 turned on in July and August. Additionally, should the pool temperature exceed 28° C the pool heating will be turned off.

Swimming pool safety fences (optional)

IMPORTANT:
If you have ordered an optional pool safety fence in a villa where this facility is available, we will endeavour to have it installed prior to your arrival. Occasionally local conditions may not make this possible and a pool fence may be installed after you have arrived - but still on the same day. On very rare occasions it may be installed the following day. Pool fences have gates that are either lockable and/or fitted with a latch or some form of closing mechanism. Gates should never be left open or propped open at any time.

Where pool fences are installed, we will always endeavour to ensure that the installation has been performed with reasonable skill and care. This does not negate your responsibility to ensure that this facility is suitable and safe for use during your occupation of the villa. You will not be charged for any accidental damage caused to either the pool fence or gate but it is a condition of booking that you must report any damage, failing or concern to our local resort office immediately.

Should a problem arise with your villa prior to arrival, we will offer you an alternative villa, if we are not able to provide that villa with some form of pool fence or alarm, you are entitled to cancel your holiday and receive a full refund of all monies paid. Should a problem arise with your villa during your stay that requires you to have to move to an alternative villa, we will do our best to provide you with a villa that has a gated / fenced pool, or an alarm, but under these extremely rare circumstances this may not be possible.

Swimming pool safety fences (permanent)

The details as per the conditions for optional safety fenced pools applies, except that these are permanent fixtures.

A pool fence (whether permanent or optional) is not a substitute for parental supervision and parents should supervise children around the pool area at all times. It may well be possible for an unsupervised child to lift the fences out of the ground supports, to push or pull a pool fence over, or to pull any gaps apart. The pool fences are designed, manufactured and installed with the sole intention to stop toddlers wandering into an unprotected pool area. Please always ensure the locking mechanism on the pool gate is working and never prop the gate open.

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.

EYE PROTECTION

In holiday destinations it is important to protect your eyes against damage from the sun. We recommend that prior to travel you contact an 'eye professional' for advice on how to minimise your risk.

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 be aware it can take a considerable time to make a police report and in some resorts you will need the help of a professional translator for which a charge will apply. 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 such as stairs. Childgates are available free of charge where it is possible to fit these in individual villas. Please ask our reservations team if your chosen villa can have a childgate fitted, at the time of booking. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children at all times.

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.