Foreign Office issues safety warning for anyone going on holiday to Portugal

The warnings come as thousands get ready for summer holidays in sunny Portugal

Portugal is a popular travel destination for many Brits, and as the six-week holiday season approaches, many families are looking forward to their getaway. Renewed warnings have been issued to try and tackle preventable deaths.

Warnings on the Safety and Security page for travel to Portugal detail the hazards you can encounter while in the country and how likely they may be. The section on swimming is extensive.

The warnings start with a grim reminder: "Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal.

"Take care when walking close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches of beaches. Waves can be unpredictable and have a strong undertow."

There's a list of important dos and donts listed below to help inform people.

• swim at beaches that connect to or from rivers as they can have strong undercurrents
• swim at any beach without lifeguards
• dive into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death

"Beware of rip tides, which can cause drowning. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the coastline until you no longer feel the current, then try to swim towards the shore.

"Follow any lifeguard instructions and warning flags:

• red means danger: do not go into the water
• yellow means caution: you can walk in the water, but you cannot swim
• green means it is safe to swim in the water

The Royal Lifesaving Society added to these points by encouraging people holidaying abroad or at home in the UK and Ireland to follow these basic principles to help ensure their family "Whether holidaying abroad, or at home in the UK and Ireland, follow these basic principles to help ensure your family stays safe whilst having fun in, on or around water."