No More Balconing Please

The British Government have started a publicity campaign in Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca to eradicate the dangerous pastime of 'Balconing' – jumping from hotel balconies into the swimming pool. It's mainly practised by young people who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and can have serious consequences – already 5 young Brits have been killed or seriously injured 'falling' from balconies in just one resort, Magaluf, this year.

In charge of the strategy is Paul Abrey, British Consul in the Balearics, who was seen on the TV programme 'Our Man in the Costas' earlier this year reading a rather lurid tabloid headline 'It's Raining Brits,' about the problem. He's obviously concerned, because he's the poor fellow who has to break the news of the death or serious injury to the parents of a son or daughter!

He's enlisted the aid of someone who makes a living jumping into swimming pools – Britain's Olympic high diver Tom Daley - a good looking young lad who just might have some sway with British yoof.

'Leave jumping to the Professionals,' is his slogan, and 'don't go into the pool if you've taken drink or drugs.'

Sounds sensible advice to me. Let's be careful out there!