Don’t have your family vacation end in tragedy. While holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing, accidents can happen if proper precautions aren’t taken. Whether you're hitting the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying a quiet retreat, safety should always come first. From securing your home before you leave to practising water safety and road trip precautions, a little planning goes a long way. These tips will help you ensure that your family vacation remains the happy, memorable experience it should be. Written by Arrive Alive, NGO.
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading killer of kids, in part because nearly a third of children ride in the wrong restraints for their age and size and four out of five child safety seats are used incorrectly.
The Arrive Alive development team has found that extensive research has been done in the United States on child seats that should be made available to parents in South Africa. The leading role players in the world on child safety have been the US department of Transportation, as well as the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. We would like to give recognition to these organisations for their inspiring efforts and for the information provided.
“Child safety seats and safety belts, when selected, installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives.”
Although sunscreen, first aid kits and cell phones are among the travel aids that parents bring to ensure safety on vacation, many parents underestimate the importance of correctly using child safety seats for every ride.
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under.
“Motor vehicle crashes are still taking children’s lives at an alarming rate. We know that correctly restraining them dramatically cuts their risk of injury and death”,” said Dr Martin Eichelberger, chief executive officer of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign in the USA. “No parent or caregiver wants a family vacation to end in a tragedy.”
ALSO READ: 10 car seat safety checks you HAVE to do before going on holiday
Child safety seats and safety belts, when selected, installed and used correctly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Unrestrained children are more likely to be injured, suffer severe injuries and die in motor vehicle crashes than children who are restrained.
Families should practise the following safety tips on every ride:
- Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip.
- Children 12 years and under should be properly restrained in a back seat. A back seat is generally the safest place for a child to ride. While air bags can save lives, kids riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed when an air bag comes out in a crash. Even with advanced air bags or no air bags, the back seat is safer for children.
- Never put a rear-facing child in a front seat with an active frontal air bag.
- Choose the right child safety seat or safety belt for your child’s size and age. Make sure you have the right seat for your child.
- Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats for as long as possible, until they are at least 12 months old and weigh at least 9 kg.
- Children who are at least one year old, weigh 9 to 18 kg and can no longer ride in rear-facing seats should ride in forward-facing child safety seats.
- Children over 9 kg should be correctly secured in belt-positioning boosters or other appropriate child restraints until the adult lap and shoulder belts fit correctly, usually around the age of eight years.
- Once the vehicle safety belts fit children, both lap and shoulder belts should be used correctly.
- Install and use your child safety seat or safety belt according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Ensure your child safety seat has not been recalled.
BabyYumYum FAQs: Don’t Have Your Family Vacation End in Tragedy: Stay Safe
Why is safety planning important for family holidays?
Planning for safety helps prevent accidents, illness, or emergencies. Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, being prepared ensures peace of mind and a more enjoyable trip for everyone.
What should I pack in a family travel safety kit?
Include:
- A basic first-aid kit
- Medications for common issues (pain, allergies, diarrhoea)
- Emergency contact numbers
- Copies of IDs and travel insurance documents
- Sun protection and insect repellent
ALSO CHECK OUT: What a paediatrician keeps in his first aid box
How do I keep my children safe in crowded areas?
Use child ID bracelets, dress them in bright clothing, and establish a clear meeting point in case you get separated. Always supervise young children closely in public spaces.
Should I worry about car safety on holiday?
Yes. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, car seats are correctly installed, and everyone wears a seatbelt. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car.
What precautions should I take at the beach or pool?
Always supervise children near water, even if they can swim. Swim only in designated areas, follow local safety warnings, and make sure kids wear floatation devices if needed.
Is it safe to eat street food or local dishes?
Choose vendors with high hygiene standards and freshly prepared food. Avoid raw or undercooked items, and drink bottled or purified water if you’re unsure about water quality.
How do I protect my family from the sun?
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) regularly, wear hats and UV-protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure between 10am and 3pm.
Should I get travel insurance for a local holiday?
Yes. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, cancellations, theft, and lost luggage even within your home country. It’s a small cost for major peace of mind.
What if my child gets lost during the trip?
Stay calm. Alert local security or authorities immediately. Teach children your phone number and hotel name, and consider using location-sharing apps or child-safe GPS devices.
Are holiday rentals or Airbnbs safe for children?
Check for hazards like unfenced pools, balconies, or accessible cleaning products. Bring baby gates or outlet covers if needed, and inspect the property upon arrival.
How do I keep my belongings safe while travelling?
Use lockable bags, avoid displaying valuables, and split money/cards between family members. Use hotel safes for passports and keep digital backups of key documents.
What should I do in a medical emergency on holiday?
Call local emergency services and go to the nearest clinic or hospital. Always carry a list of any family allergies, medical conditions, and medications, especially when travelling abroad.
Disclaimer: This information is for general travel safety guidance and does not replace emergency or medical advice. Always consult official travel advisories and local authorities when planning your family holiday.
Learn important burn facts and safety tips to protect yourself and your family. Stay informed on how to prevent and treat burns effectively.
