AN EMERGENCY nursing chief at Basingstoke hospital has cautioned youngsters and their parents against the dangers they may run into while on holiday.

Helen Rush, head of emergency nursing, said: “Everyone is ready for their summer break but you don’t have to be on the beach to burn.

“The use of sun cream is vital. Sunburn is not attractive and carries a serious risk of cancer. The school holidays are a great time but we want everyone to stay safe.

“Water is very tempting in the summer holidays but you can never be sure of the conditions in a river and what lurks beneath the surface.

“This is also the time to think about road safety when children are out with their friends. We never get too old to stop, look and listen.”

The various safety advice is as follows:

* Sunburn: Even a mild sunny day can cause skin damage to unprotected skin. Sunburn can also lead to future damage and can even be responsible for skin cancer. Many people become dehydrated due to the heat of the sun so it is recommended to drink fluids such as water throughout the day.

* Road safety: Most road accidents involving a young pedestrian include his or her peer group being present. Even a vehicle travelling at 20mph can cause serious injury or death.

* Water hazards: Many people swim during their holidays. They may even swim in their local river or lake, but do they really know the risks? Fast-flowing rivers can cause physical exertion. A strong river can tire even the best of swimmers so young adults must be fully aware of the risks of drowning. Never dive into any water that you are unfamiliar with.