World Catfish Classic - Offical Global Website
Chiprana, Spain 23rd - 25th May 2012
| Spain safety advice |
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SAFETY TIPS/ADVICE PROVIDED FOR TOURISTS/TRAVELLERS COMING TO SPAIN Most points are common sense tips and advice but it never hurts to get a reminder from time to time. IN THE STREET When you go to a bank/cash machine make sure you are not being followed especially if withdrawing any large amounts of cash. As much as possible avoid collision with or people being too close as too often this can be enough to start an altercation creating a distraction to allow pick pockets to operate. Be wary if you are being offered assistance to clean a stain or that you have dropped something - these are well used pick pocket tactics. Keep your bags closed, in particular Handbags and Camera bags and preferably worn in front of you. Keep long straps short and bags held firmly as cutting straps to grab bags another tactic sometimes used. Be vigilant when carrying mobile phone and wallets in your pockets, keep pockets buttoned or zipped up if possible. It is always good to keep a digital photo along with serial numbers and item details such as brand, model to hand should you need to open a Police case for insurance purposes. Please advise us if you unfortunately need to report an incident or make a complaint. Exchanging money in Spain is easy and follows a similar pattern to elsewhere in southern Europe: Banks, Bureaux de change and ATMs are your safest bets. Banks and bureaux de change tend to close on a Sunday, leaving ATMs as virtually the only place for cash to be obtained. When changing money or cashing travellers cheques etc., be aware of people who offer rates that seem too good to be true. Using street vendors is ill-advised and illegal. When crossing the road be very careful and check both ways remember they are driving on the left!
WATER AND ITS DANGERS When we are with children or in children bathing areas we must remain alert at all times and be aware of the local conditions at all times. Tides and currents can be very dangerous, be vigilent. The flotation aids/ airbeds etc. do not eliminate the danger, in fact in strong tides or offshore winds they can be a danger in themselves. Be aware of tides, currents and winds as these all may cause you to drift offshore be aware of where you are in relation to the shore at all times.. In the inland bathing areas, the quality of the water is controlled. Some 86.4 % of the inland bathing waters met the mandatory water quality in 2010. This is a decrease of 6.8 % compared to the previous year. Some 31.8 % of the bathing waters met the more stringent guide values, which is a decrease of 10.7 %. The number of non-compliant bathing waters with the mandatory value for Escherichia coli decreased from six (2.9 %) to four bathing waters (1.9 %). Six bathing waters (2.8 %) had to be closed during the season, which is one more than in 2009 (2.4 %). Look around and go to a place where there are no pipes or other items that indicate that the area is not suitable for swimming. Swim in supervised areas and respect any warning flag flying. Lonely places though more desirable, can be dangerous. Access and the time taken for emergency crews to reach them in the event of an accident could be critical, Remember Spain can be very hot so enter cold water slowly, allow your body temperature to adjust, avoid entering the water abruptly. Before entering the water wet face, neck and wrists. This precaution is especially necessary if you are in unfit, in poor health or have just eaten. Before diving take local advice to make sure you are aware of the depths and the environment you will be diving in. Beware if there are rocks or boats in the area that could cause you a problem, ensure boats are aware of your presence and where you are diving. When at sea, be aware of the sea condition and weather forecasts, take local advice regarding the type of waves, surf and currents you will find. Ensure that all safety equipment is adequate and fully functional, and meets requirements. Ensure all radios and mobile have fully charges batteries and that someone on shore knows where you are and when to expect your return. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE As at home respect the countryside, close gates and do not trespass. Remember that in most instances the fruit on the trees and vines and the vegetables in the fields are someone’s livelihood do not just help yourself. Camping rough is illegal in many areas of Spain. Camping within the official campsites is highly recommended for safety and sanitation. It is not illegal to sleep in a sleeping bag out in the wilds, if you´re brave/hardy enough! The other problem with camping rough is that it is also illegal to have a fire or bbq between 1st July and 15th September. These dates can change year by year depending on the amount of rain and dryness of the countryside, for 2011 that is the law. If you´re thinking it´s not fair, just look at the damage to wildlife and property from the many careless fires that spread so quickly at that time of year. Then it is obvious why fires are banned, one spark can cause untold and widespread damage. Most of Spain´s natural and national parks provide campsite facilities; use them for everyone´s good and for the use of toilets and showers You are not allowed to fire unless there are appropriate facilities for this. Do not litter, or contaminate the waters of rivers and lakes. Take your litter home or place it in any receptacles provided if full take you rubbish home. IN THE MOUNTAINS Do not take a trip into the mountain alone. Obtain local advice and knowledge of the places and the routes we're you are intending to go. Ensure someone at your base knows the area you are going, the route you intend to take and the time you intend to return. Ensure that in your bags you have a good map, a compass and a cell phone with the battery fully charged. You will also require adequate water and food to sustain you Warm clothing, good waterproofs and good strong footwear are essential. It may be very hot at your base but can rapidly cool as you climb and the weather can change rapidly in the mountains. If you get lost look for the bottom of the valleys, avoiding climbing to new heights. Follow the paths down the mountain and try to remain calm.
WITH THE VEHICLE Check the rules and requirements for Driving in Spain there are plenty of sites on the internet or check with your local motoring organisations EU citizens can drive their cars in all EU constituent countries. They will need a driver's license obtained in one EU country and is valid in other Member States. In Spain the minimum driving age is 18 years, but to rent a car, the age limit is normally required is 20 years. A green card is not necessary to travel in Spain, but should carry your valid certificate of insurance, MOT certificate and registration documents. As in other European Union countries, it is necessary for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts at all times. The use of mobile phones while in charge of a vehicle is totally prohibited, as the distraction of the driver can cause an accident. It is illegal to drive if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Check in the vehicle for the following items which should be carried in the vehicle at all times. If you require glasses to drive you will also need a spare set also to be carried in the vehicle. If you will be carrying babies or very young children in the car make sure you have a baby seat. BASIC CHECKS. SPEED LIMITS and ROAD TYPES. One final sound word of advice…its definitely better to arrive 5 minutes late than never at all…..PLEASE drive carefully.
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