0:00:04 > 0:00:06Well, it's that time of year again when millions of us
0:00:06 > 0:00:08are flicking through the brochures
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and deciding where we're going to spend our well-earned holiday break.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16We all put our trust and our hard-earned cash in the hands
0:00:16 > 0:00:19of the holiday industry, hoping it delivers on its promise.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23But as many of us know to our cost,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26dream breaks can turn into nightmares.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30The last memory I've had, everyone is smiling, happy...
0:00:30 > 0:00:33The next thing is I've woke up in hospital.
0:00:33 > 0:00:40- My girlfriend's had her purse stolen, £500 holiday money.- No?!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44'So, from uncovering the bad...' Oh, that really turns the stomach.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48'To highlighting the good...' A great view doesn't cost a penny.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53The Holiday Hit Squad is back, and we're more determined than ever
0:00:53 > 0:00:58to ensure that holiday blues don't mess up your well-earned break.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Coming up on today's programme, I investigate how a trip
0:01:08 > 0:01:12to a water park can end in a smash as well as a splash.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I was in that much agony I knew I'd broke it,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18because it was completely twisted round in the opposite direction.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21I go toe-to-toe in a battle with Joe to find
0:01:21 > 0:01:23the best seaside holiday home...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27THIS is a classic British holiday treat.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28..or away.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Every time you go round another headland,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33you find another paradise beach.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37But first, I'm checking into a hotel that's been driving Brits barmy.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46MUSIC: "Summer Holiday" by Cliff Richard and the Shadows
0:01:46 > 0:01:48It's an all too familiar story -
0:01:48 > 0:01:53we scrimp and save all year so we can have our precious break in paradise,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55but the moment we check into our digs,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58we realise instead of hotel happiness...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01PSYCHO SHOWER SCENE MUSIC
0:02:01 > 0:02:04..we've unwittingly booked motel misery.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11That's why, this year, I'm back on the road,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13so I can pull back the covers...
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Eugh!
0:02:15 > 0:02:17'..and lift the lid...'
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Oh, my God. That is grim, isn't it?
0:02:20 > 0:02:22'..on some of the hotels that have
0:02:22 > 0:02:24'been winding British guests right up.'
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- I'm guessing you won't be coming back.- Not me, definitely!
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- Would you stay here again?- No.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34And today, I'm in one of our favourite holiday destinations.
0:02:37 > 0:02:44Turkey - bathed in warm sunshine, beautiful, historic AND inexpensive.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Who could ask for anything more?
0:02:46 > 0:02:50In fact, Turkish resorts now rival Spain's as the top destinations
0:02:50 > 0:02:52for Brits taking package holidays.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Now with all that good, you'd expect a bit of bad.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02But at one hotel in Bodrum, you've been telling us
0:03:02 > 0:03:05that things have been getting ugly.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09MUSIC: "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Theme" by Ennio Morricone
0:03:09 > 0:03:10It's the worst hotel,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14the dirtiest hotel I've ever stayed in my whole entire life.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15It was a complete disaster.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19I would never, ever go back.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24And you've been posting warnings about the 162-room L'Ambiance
0:03:24 > 0:03:25on web review sites.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29How disgusting is that?
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Calling it filthy, dangerously run-down
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and complaining of terrible food.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39These guests even resorted to buying their own cleaning products.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42My girlfriend, on holiday, is having to scrub the shower.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Not really what we came away for.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48So can it really be as bad as people say?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The management claim not, but, frustrated by the reviews,
0:03:51 > 0:03:56they've invited us in to help them spot what's got guests' goats.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- Thank you, Joe Crowley, checking in.- OK.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09In high season, rooms here are about £75 a night full board.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I've got to say, in the dark it looks absolutely beautiful.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Hmm, perhaps I should have kept the lights off.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Right, time for bed, and I just had a proper look round the room.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26The bed linen, I mean, look at this, this is just really worn out.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31And I don't think the cleaning's been very good, just look down here.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Used tissue, that's nice(!)
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Very grim, that hasn't been cleaned in a long time.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39In fact, I'll show you this I've just seen by the front door!
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Look at this for a strand of hair.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45LAUGHING: It's absolutely huge.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Shouldn't really touch it, but I am.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50GRIM.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Apparently, cleanliness here - at least in my room -
0:04:56 > 0:04:57is going down the pan.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06And the next morning, as I venture out by the pool -
0:05:06 > 0:05:10or should I say "pond" - it's clear I'm not the only disappointed guest.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15I think we have a gaggle of British holiday-makers up here,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17so I'm going to go and say hello.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- How you doing?- Fine.- Not too bad, the weather's nice.- The weather is good.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Yeah.- What about everything else? - It's the pits. Absolute pits.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26That's putting it very mildly.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Have you been in the pool yet? - You're joking?
0:05:30 > 0:05:35# Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart... #
0:05:35 > 0:05:37And they're not alone.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- I mean, it's the first holiday I've had in two years.- Really?
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Yeah, and we booked it in March,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47really, really looking forward to it, and then I turn up here.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50What would you say to people looking at coming to this hotel?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Don't bother.- No, don't come.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57These guests aren't expecting the Ritz, but this is bang out of order.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- What do you think needs fixing most? - Have you got a bulldozer?
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Oh, dear.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Well, I don't have a bulldozer, but I do have the next best thing.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Dr Lisa Ackerly is an environmental health inspector
0:06:14 > 0:06:16who lets nothing stand in her way.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Eugh!- Look how dirty this... Oh, my God! What have we got here?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Really horrible, that's a bogey.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30MUSIC: "Boogie Nights" by Heatwave
0:06:30 > 0:06:35And Lisa has a sniff of another problem in the public loos.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Ohhhh, my God!
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- We have an overpowering smell, that can't be good.- Awful, isn't it?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- It is so strong. - You can almost not breathe.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47What on earth do you think goes on behind the scenes
0:06:47 > 0:06:49if this is the public face of the hotel?
0:06:49 > 0:06:53In fact, the public areas here are a major worry,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56particularly that cloudy emerald pool.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01My terror is that a child could fall in and not be seen.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04So, with the aid of some weights and a toddler-sized backpack,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06it's time to do an experiment.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- BOTH: Oh, my goodness. - It fills me with horror.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- That's grim.- Terrible. - Really is very serious.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Last year, at least three British toddlers drowned in pools
0:07:18 > 0:07:19while on holiday.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Supervising under eights by the pool is crucial, but if a child toppled
0:07:23 > 0:07:27in here, they could end up on the bottom without anyone even knowing.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31And it's so far down you can't even see the shape of it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33No, and that really is dangerous.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38'Later, the paths are the pits...'
0:07:38 > 0:07:42A child sort of skipping along - bounce, straight through.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45'..and there's contamination in the kitchen.'
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Everything's really dirty.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54You know, you may not always be aware of them
0:07:54 > 0:07:56while you're enjoying the attractions of your
0:07:56 > 0:07:59holiday destination, but at most resorts,
0:07:59 > 0:08:00tucked away in the background,
0:08:00 > 0:08:05there's a whole army of dedicated professionals on stand-by to pick up
0:08:05 > 0:08:10the pieces and sort our problems IF something should go terribly wrong.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13And I've got a backstage pass
0:08:13 > 0:08:15so I can find out exactly what happens if,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19among other things, you are one of the quarter of a million Brits plus
0:08:19 > 0:08:22every year that need medical help...
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Four breaks? You made a proper job of it, didn't you?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Yeah, I like to do a good job.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30...the 19,000 that call on the aid of the British Consul...
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Their passport was stolen and they're travelling tonight,
0:08:32 > 0:08:36so I need to get this done pretty quickly.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39..or the estimated one in ten that end up victims of crime.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41When did you notice your wallet was gone?
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Must have been about 5 o'clock.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Today I'm in one of the all-time favourite destinations
0:08:46 > 0:08:48for British holiday-makers.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Benidorm on Spain's Costa Blanca is a magnet for more than
0:09:01 > 0:09:04a million-and-a-half British tourists every year,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07and inevitably, some end up coming a cropper.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11In which case they are more than likely to be taken to
0:09:11 > 0:09:16one of the biggest hospitals in the region, the Hospital Levante,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19where there's a whole team of professionals just waiting
0:09:19 > 0:09:20to sort them out.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Every day there's a steady stream of Brits admitted for
0:09:25 > 0:09:26all manner of maladies.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- How are you feeling?- Mmm...itchy. - You're feeling itchy?
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I've got an abscess on the tonsils.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Fallen over and fallen on the hip.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37What a rotten way to end your holiday!
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I have fractured a bone in my foot.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43So I haven't been on the scooter since cos I can't get my leg over.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Image conscious Victoria Carr has rushed in because,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54out of the blue, her face has dramatically swollen up.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Oh, my gosh, what's happened to you? - I don't know.- When did you notice?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Me son noticed it. Just noticed a lump on me face,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04and then I woke up the next morning with...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- how it is now.- This is not how you want to spend your holiday.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Not really. I don't know what's caused it.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Oh, that is just so awful,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16because any woman is so conscious of what she looks like,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and poor Victoria, as she just said to me,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20"My face is like a pudding" - and it is.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27The doctors believe Victoria has had an allergic reaction, but this
0:10:27 > 0:10:33needlephobe doesn't much fancy the cure - a syringe of hydrocortisone.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- I just don't like needles. - All right, give me your hands.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- What's your son called?- Jordan. - How old is Jordan?- 13.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- What's Jordan doing today? - He's, erm, he's still in bed.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47Still in bed?
0:10:47 > 0:10:51There you are, it's all over and you didn't even know it, did you?
0:10:51 > 0:10:55The doctors say they're unlikely to be able to identify the cause,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59so it's down to Victoria and me to do some detective work.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03See if we can do a bit of a check list.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Sun cream, did you put sun cream on? - No.- Bitten by something?
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- I don't think so. - When did you have the braids done?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- I got half of it done on the Tuesday night.- And when did this start?
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- Wednesday afternoon.- What products did they put in your hair?
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- Wax. I was scratching my head. - You were scratching your head?- Hmm.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Ah.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Braiding is a popular holiday treat,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33but do be aware that the dermatological society have
0:11:33 > 0:11:35warned that if they're done too tightly,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38they can result in follicle damage, causing hair loss.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43And having any product that you're not used to put on your hair or skin
0:11:43 > 0:11:46always brings the risk of an allergic reaction.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49'Victoria feels the braids are too tight,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52'but she can't be sure that they are the cause of her discomfort.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Easier if I knew what it was.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- It would, cos you wouldn't do it again, would you?- No.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02'Fortunately, a second injection seems to be doing the trick.'
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Feels like it's gone down a bit. - Do you want to have a look?
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- What's the verdict? - Me eye's better.- Yeah?
0:12:11 > 0:12:15Your eye is much wider than it was when you came in.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17When you came in it really looked as if
0:12:17 > 0:12:19you'd gone 15 rounds with Mike Tyson.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- I know.- Hopefully it will go on getting better.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Enjoy the rest of your holiday anyway.- Thank you.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Thanks a lot, Victoria. Bye now.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Hi there. I've just...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32One family whose holiday fun has come to an abrupt stop
0:12:32 > 0:12:34are the Colliers from Scotland.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41We went to the water park, we went down a face-first water ride,
0:12:41 > 0:12:46and unfortunately, yes, my face went into the back of his head.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49When you turn round you just see this waterfall of blood
0:12:49 > 0:12:51going down the side of the face, and then him crying,
0:12:51 > 0:12:56and I came down last, and all I heard was, "Ow!", and I turn round
0:12:56 > 0:13:00and it's like, "Oh, my face!" and he's like "Ahhh!"
0:13:00 > 0:13:03So Aiden got three stitches in the back of his head...
0:13:03 > 0:13:05And you've got a black eye?
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- Yes, so I got nine stitches, two internal, seven external.- Crikey!
0:13:10 > 0:13:13And we had to come here in an ambulance!
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Not only has it scuppered the family's break,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24but Karen is also supposed to be looking her best,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27as she's due to be a bridesmaid soon after she gets home.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Oh, that looks painful. Gosh, you can see the full extent of it now.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35It's a doozy!
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I think if the swelling goes down, make-up should hopefully hide it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Otherwise, just take the photos from that side.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43The other thing is, you'll have to get an eye patch
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- with some flowers on it. - Oh, don't make me laugh.- Oh, sorry!
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The Colliers are not the only ones to be wiped out at a water park.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03My daughter asked her to go paddling with her.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- DAUGHTER LAUGHS - It's your fault then, is it?
0:14:05 > 0:14:09We were in the wave pool, about six inches of water, I slipped,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and I think I sat on my ankle.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- Ooh! Broke it?- Three bones. - Three bones?- Yes.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18ANGELA GASPS
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Yeah, I'll stick to dry land, I think.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28And down the hall, another water park casualty has limped in.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31So, Mark, what's going on here?
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- She was on the rapids. - In the water park?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Came down the rapids and went into the wall.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Hit the knee. - So, do you know what you've done?
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I've banged me knee, it's very, very sore at the moment.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46I'm off to X-ray.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49It's got to be X-ray, cos you don't know if you've broken it...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52MUSIC: "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen
0:14:52 > 0:14:55That's three different sets of patients that I've seen today
0:14:55 > 0:14:58that have ended up in hospital after visiting water parks,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01and later, I'll investigate how you might not always
0:15:01 > 0:15:05be as safe as you might imagine when you take to the slides.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09But first, Helen has some handy holiday hints.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Each week on Holiday Hit Squad I'll be tackling
0:15:18 > 0:15:21some of the Great British holiday-maker's most common
0:15:21 > 0:15:23consumer questions, from how to avoid
0:15:23 > 0:15:26being clobbered by unexpected costs...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29You could end up paying £200 just to have your luggage with you.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31..to making the most of your money.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Having ready cash abroad is essential
0:15:33 > 0:15:36if you want to have a trouble-free holiday.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41And this week, a product we use 15 million bottles of a year.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49How much sun cream do you bring for your two weeks in the sun?
0:15:49 > 0:15:55Seven bottles. 50, 30, 15, ten...two.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But do any of us really know what factor sun cream
0:15:58 > 0:16:00we should be wearing?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Do you guys know what the minimum recommended factor is to wear?
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- 50.- 50?- 20.- 25.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- 15.- 30.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13So not much consensus there.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19The minimum sun protection factor recommended by the NHS is factor 15.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23You can, of course, get factors that are much higher, including 50.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26You'd imagine that 50 protects you from a lot more sun
0:16:26 > 0:16:29than 30 or 15, but does it?
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Factor 50 should block 98% of the sun's rays,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42but surprisingly, factor 15 only blocks 5% less.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46And studies have found that some people find the labelling
0:16:46 > 0:16:50so confusing, they end up being more burned using higher factors
0:16:50 > 0:16:52because they mistakenly believe they're
0:16:52 > 0:16:54fully protected by factor alone,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58when often we simply don't use enough of the stuff.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Put your hand out.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Right, the recommended amount of sun cream for one application
0:17:04 > 0:17:05is six teaspoons.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08So that's two, three...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- four...- Whoa!
0:17:11 > 0:17:14..five....
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- six.- That's to do your whole body?
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Yeah, for an adult, your whole body for one go.- That is a lot.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Yeah, that's more than we use.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23'Surveys have shown that most of us
0:17:23 > 0:17:27'use less than half of the recommended amount.'
0:17:27 > 0:17:29This has turned into something else, hasn't it?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Don't miss out on free sampling!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And what else should you know to help keep you safe in the sun?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Well, here goes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42All sun screen has an expiry date, so check your bottle.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46If it's past its best, it may not be protecting you effectively.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Regularly reapply and cream up whatever the weather.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Even on cloudy days,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56up to 80% of the sun's harmful rays can penetrate your skin.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And be aware of the sand, sea and snow effect.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04All of them reflect the sun and increase your risk of burning.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Now sometimes, in spite of your best-laid plans,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15a dream holiday can turn into an absolute nightmare,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18so every week I'm going to be investigating some
0:18:18 > 0:18:22of the potential pitfalls that lie in wait for British holiday-makers.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25From the life-shattering...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28I went to the toilet, had a look in the mirror,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30"Dad, where's my head gone?!"
0:18:30 > 0:18:31..to the terrifying.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33The vehicle turned over.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I thought, frankly, that one of the lions would come
0:18:36 > 0:18:37and pull somebody out.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43I'll discover that you're not always as safe as you may think.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Today, how splashing out on a trip to a water park could
0:18:46 > 0:18:48end you up in A&E.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00The first official water park was opened in Florida
0:19:00 > 0:19:02in the late seventies.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06And since then they've become hugely popular with families on holiday.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08And rightly so, kids and parents alike
0:19:08 > 0:19:10just love the thrills and spills.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15But don't be fooled into thinking that water rides are
0:19:15 > 0:19:17totally risk-free.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20It's estimated that each year, in Europe alone,
0:19:20 > 0:19:26a staggering 40,000 injuries occur on or around water slides.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28And sometimes, these injuries can be tragic.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Now, I want you to picture the scene.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35You decide that you're going to take your family on holiday
0:19:35 > 0:19:39to Turkey, where the big attraction is the water park in the hotel.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42First morning out, you go down the water slide,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47but you have an accident that shatters your leg and your life.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Des Jarvis and his girlfriend Nikki took their kids to the
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Didim Beach Resort in Altinkum.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58It was their annual summer holiday,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02and all were looking forward to relaxing and having fun in the sun.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06But on their first morning, disaster struck.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Did you have any instruction at all as to what you were supposed to do?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13We looked at the instructions, cos you do on all the slides,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- and it said, "Lie down feet first, hands behind your head."- Like this?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Yeah, that's how I come down.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23I came flying into the water, smashed into the wall,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26and I knew straightaway, I was in that much agony I knew I'd broke it,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29because it was completely twisted round the opposite direction.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35'Des had come down the slide exactly as the signs had directed.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39'But the pool at the bottom failed to slow him down.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42'Nikki ran to get help from staff behind a bar,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45'and Des was taken to hospital in agony.'
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Oh, crikey, look at that!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49And after the X-rays the doctor said to me, "You've broke
0:20:49 > 0:20:53"it in about eight places, we're going to have to operate."
0:20:53 > 0:20:57After surgery, Des hobbled back to the slides to get video
0:20:57 > 0:21:00evidence with Nikki, and they were horrified to see that
0:21:00 > 0:21:02other holiday-makers remained at risk
0:21:02 > 0:21:04of duplicating his own awful accident.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Oh, blimey!
0:21:06 > 0:21:09So he's landed about three foot from the wall.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- There's no run-off, is there? - No.- No run-off at all.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18In the year since his accident, Des has had four operations,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20but the torment is far from over.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25The doctor I spoke to last week said he would recommend
0:21:25 > 0:21:30I have it amputated now, to save a lot of time and a lot of pain.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- How do you feel about that? - Devastated.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I can't accept it at the minute.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38It's something that we've not come to terms with.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39'Now the wild rides
0:21:39 > 0:21:42'and wet surfaces of water parks of course do come with
0:21:42 > 0:21:45'inherent risks of bumps and bruises,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49'but surely Des's catastrophic accident was avoidable.'
0:21:52 > 0:21:56Later, I get an expert's opinion on the slides in question...
0:21:57 > 0:22:01If people go down headfirst, you're looking at possibly a fatality.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04..and find out that Des is not unique.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06The pain just shot right through me.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Here on Holiday Hit Squad we dig the dirt, certainly,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18and we also investigate holiday mishaps,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22but we'd also like to give you a few, well, holiday hits.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25So, over the course of the series I've asked Helen and Joe
0:22:25 > 0:22:29to find some really great holiday destinations,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32not just abroad, but also at home,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36where a stonking 41 million of us take a break every year.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40But can Britain really compete with the rest of the world?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I've sent Helen and Joe to find out.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50From foodie breaks...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- Root vegetables, rabbit you skinned. - It's actually really good, isn't it?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56..to thrill-seeking adventures...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59So cool, SO cool.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03..they're going head-to-head in a battle of vacation...
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- ..versus staycation.- Stunning.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Tonight, a family beach holiday.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I've given the dynamic duo a budget of two grand -
0:23:14 > 0:23:18which is the average Brits spend on our main summer breaks -
0:23:18 > 0:23:21to create a package for a family of at least four.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26This week, I'll be fighting for foreign,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31and with a whole wide world to choose from, where did I pick?
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Cirali, here in Turkey, surely the perfect family beach holiday.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41I, however, will be defending the home front, and with
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Great British bulldog spirit, I promise I won't be giving up easily.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53I'm putting my faith in beautiful Aldeburgh
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and the surrounding Suffolk seaside.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00This part of East Anglia is picture postcard perfect.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02In summer, it's quintessentially English.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06# Rule Britannia Britannia, you are cool
0:24:06 > 0:24:07# Take a trip
0:24:07 > 0:24:11# Britons ever, ever, ever shall be hip... #
0:24:11 > 0:24:15The east of England is one of the driest parts of the country,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18so it's a good bet for a bit of British sun, but we all know
0:24:18 > 0:24:22that a family beach holiday isn't really about sunbathing.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Come on, crabs. Ooh, yes!
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Yeah. Ohhh!
0:24:33 > 0:24:35That was my fault. Sorry, Daisy.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39'So how's this for brilliant bargain family entertainment?'
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Who's the best at catching crabs then out of your mum,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43your dad, you and your little sister?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- I don't know!- Must be me, Daisy, must be me.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48This is a prime crabbing spot.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51A pastime that I guarantee will keep the young
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and young at heart absorbed for hours.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57It costs pennies.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- We've got a huge one! - That is a big one.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05Woo! It's really simple, really classic good fun.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Spectacular foreign scenery is one thing,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12but you can keep all your Grand Canyons, live volcanoes
0:25:12 > 0:25:16and virgin rain forests - believe me, it's simple fun like this
0:25:16 > 0:25:18that a family like this will remember for ever.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- Some of them are, like, huge. - Some of them are huge?- Yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27I'm the first to admit that foreign holidays are fab,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30but spending your summer breaks somewhere like this means
0:25:30 > 0:25:33that you can bring the whole family, because you don't have to get
0:25:33 > 0:25:36on a flight, and that's what lasting memories are made of, aren't they?
0:25:36 > 0:25:38The time you went here, there and everywhere with
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Grandma and Grandad and Auntie Yvonne and Uncle Bill?
0:25:41 > 0:25:43They're the ones I remember.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47That's all well and good, Helen - when the weather holds.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51But I've got plenty of family memories of us huddled
0:25:51 > 0:25:53in a cold, wet tent as the rain pours down,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55and I think we all deserve more.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07That's why I think Turkey and Cirali in particular are perfect.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10It's got pretty much guaranteed sunshine,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12warm, crystal clear Mediterranean waters
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and loads to keep the kids happy.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19But don't take my word for it, just ask the Morgan family,
0:26:19 > 0:26:23back to Cirali for their second year because they love it so much.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25So when you announced, "We're going again",
0:26:25 > 0:26:28what was the reaction like in the house?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Bags were packed three weeks before we left.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31JOE LAUGHS
0:26:31 > 0:26:35And the right flights from the UK cost just over a grand for four,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39which doesn't leave me much for accommodation, but I've come up
0:26:39 > 0:26:42with a fab and fun self-catering option which will do a treat.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47When families come here, they can stay in these bungalows,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49they are absolutely perfect.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54They can look out on this courtyard, and perhaps most importantly,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58they look out on this epic view,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02these towering cliff faces right above them.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It is absolutely stunning, there's no other word for it.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07And you certainly don't get that in Suffolk.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12"Hi, Helen, with a view like this, hope you're enjoying FLAT Suffolk."
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Wow, that is pretty nice. But it's only a mountain.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Yes, Suffolk is flat, but have a look at this.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30It's everything that we love about the Great British seaside.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33There are loads of places to stay, from campsites to B&Bs,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36or if you want to hang out with your extended family -
0:27:36 > 0:27:38which is one of the joys of a British holiday -
0:27:38 > 0:27:42you could splash out on a large apartment like this.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Sleeps six, is a grand for the week, and that's less than £25 each a day.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54One of the things that seasoned travellers always say is,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57"Eat where the locals eat", because that is a great reference.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00And two people who live in Aldeburgh have already said to me today,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02"You've got to try the fish and chip shop."
0:28:02 > 0:28:06I've come round the corner, and I can smell fish and chips.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10I'm reliably informed this place has been drawing families for decades.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Is this a joke? I think this is the queue already!
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- Is this the queue for the fish and chip shop?- Yes, it is, yes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- It'll open soon. - They're not even open yet?
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Right, you want a chip? No good just going on my taste buds. Dive in.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36What do you reckon, guys, good?
0:28:36 > 0:28:41It's unanimous - they are good fish and chips. See ya!
0:28:41 > 0:28:43How do you beat this?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Fish and chips by the seaside, it takes you back to your childhood.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48It tastes great, it smells great,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50and I don't want to make you jealous, Joe, much...
0:28:52 > 0:28:56Ha! Well, OK, Helen, I see your fish and chips,
0:28:56 > 0:29:00and I'll raise you an experience the Morgan family have told me
0:29:00 > 0:29:03is straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10We're time travelling, heading back to ancient cities and ports.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14This is just so beautiful, it seems every time you go round another
0:29:14 > 0:29:19headland, you find another secret cove and another paradise beach.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Here we are, the ruins.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27You can walk into some of these sites straight off the beach,
0:29:27 > 0:29:31scramble around all you like and let your imagination run wild.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35It's quite rare you get to come this close to anything like this.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36Yes, exactly.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39And all for less than a couple of quid entrance fee.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44That is cheap and impressive, Joe,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46but you're going to struggle to match
0:29:46 > 0:29:47what I get up to later in the show.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49This is pretty unusual.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52But anything you can do, Helen, anything you can do...
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It's mesmerising, absolutely incredible.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Still to come on Holiday Hit Squad...
0:30:02 > 0:30:04The beach surgery is open for business,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06as Dr Chris van Tulleken and I
0:30:06 > 0:30:09tackle some classic vacation complications.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Ruby had gone to sleep as normal
0:30:12 > 0:30:15but then woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19So I would suggest, when you get back to the UK, go and see your GP.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23..Joe and Helen's beach break battle continues.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27I've got sand, I've got surf, and it's not THAT cold!
0:30:27 > 0:30:30But first, I continue my inspections of that hotel that's been
0:30:30 > 0:30:31driving Brits nuts.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42L'Ambiance Resort in Bodrum has come in for a
0:30:42 > 0:30:44proper pasting from unhappy British guests.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47So, environmental health expert Dr Lisa Ackerly
0:30:47 > 0:30:51and I checked in to plumb the depths and help them raise their game.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54And as we continue our inspection,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57we're finding startling signs of neglect.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01You could basically just think the step was there, twist over
0:31:01 > 0:31:04and then over you go - almost did myself.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- 'From faulty fire alarms...' - "Press button here."
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Pressing button, nothing's happening.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12'..to a particularly deadly-looking tourist trap.'
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- Rusty, what is it, manhole cover?- It is, yeah.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- It's come away round the edges. - It's so fragile.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21If I was to put my weight on that, I would go straight through.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- Oh, it's certainly full of water. - Absolutely vile.- Oh, I can smell it!
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Yep.- This is really worrying me.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32A child sort of skipping along - bounce, straight through.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37And there's another more hidden
0:31:37 > 0:31:41but equally serious danger that has set our alarm bells ringing.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48Guests suspect that food may be being regularly reused.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53I only assume, what you don't eat off the hot plate at lunchtime,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57with a couple of other dishes, is on for evening meal.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01If food is being reheated or recycled without proper safeguards,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04there's a real risk of guests falling ill.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06The hotel denies it,
0:32:06 > 0:32:10but a check of the breakfast buffet doesn't leave Lisa reassured.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13So you've got meat and cheese,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- meat does look like it's been left out for quite a while, doesn't it? - Yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20Temperature? 14, 15 degrees, it should be five.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I'm suspicious that this has been out before
0:32:23 > 0:32:27because of the way the food has been sort of mauled.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32And the hot buffet is an even greater worry.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36There's obviously no attempt here to heat the food or keep it hot.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- We're still only getting 32, 33 degrees.- And what should it be?
0:32:40 > 0:32:4363 or above.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46So 35's a dangerous temperature, it's encouraging the bacteria,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- saying, "Come on, multiply."- It's almost perfect for bacteria to grow.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52That's what I was hoping you wouldn't say.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58'It's evidence enough for me to want to dig deeper.'
0:33:04 > 0:33:08'So, later in the day we go rooting around several fridges
0:33:08 > 0:33:11'we find in the kitchen, and it goes from bad...'
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Do you recognise that from before?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I do, that was our big plate of cheese at breakfast.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21Even small quantities of food are being reused.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23'..to worse...'
0:33:23 > 0:33:25I recognise those tomatoes.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Well, it's possible they're the same ones we saw this morning.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29We've got lots of mould and dirt,
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and it can drop into these foods here.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34'..to downright jaw-dropping.'
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Actually been here yonks, I mean, the dirt on that...
0:33:38 > 0:33:40It's also sort of rusty,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42so you've got potential contamination going in there.
0:33:42 > 0:33:48Everything is just grimy and filthy and...
0:33:48 > 0:33:49it's uncovered.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52'The chef claims the uncovered food is for the staff,
0:33:52 > 0:33:54'which frankly shouldn't make any difference,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57'but as we watch preparations for the dinner service,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59'they seem reluctant to cook in front of us.'
0:34:04 > 0:34:06They've only got 20 minutes till dinner time,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08they're not going to be ready, are they?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- No, they're not. - Something doesn't seem right.- No.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Something very strange is happening, and to be honest,
0:34:14 > 0:34:16I'm not quite sure what it is.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19It's gone 7:30, in fact, it's about ten to eight,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21normally this would be full of food, people would be eating,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23but instead everyone's gathered outside
0:34:23 > 0:34:25and they're still waiting, and the last time
0:34:25 > 0:34:29I checked there wasn't anything being cooked in the kitchen.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32So, I don't know what's happening really, I can't explain it,
0:34:32 > 0:34:37I can only think that somehow our presence has put them off.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39'When the food eventually does come out,
0:34:39 > 0:34:41'much later than it's supposed to...'
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- Let's see what we've got here. - Lentil soup.- We saw that being made.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47That's steaming hot.
0:34:47 > 0:34:4939 degrees.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54So hang on, that's just been put out, and it's 39 degrees?
0:34:54 > 0:34:56It's nowhere near hot enough,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00and at this stage in the evening it should be 63 or above.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04This is actually blood temperature,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and I suspect this is what we saw in the fridge earlier.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08We were told this was for the staff.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14And here it is, at body heat.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It's pretty clear to me now that out of the dishes there,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22two are fresh, the rest are recycled, and even worse,
0:35:22 > 0:35:28that recycled food hasn't been warmed up to a safe enough temperature.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33So be it cleaning, fire safety, pool water,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37maintenance or food hygiene, it's clear the way L'Ambiance
0:35:37 > 0:35:40is currently operating is way short of acceptable.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44So, while Lisa prepares her detailed report,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48I want to hear what manager Hussein has got to say for himself.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53Our observations are that things aren't as good as they should be
0:35:53 > 0:35:58and much needs to be done to make this hotel clean and safe.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Quite worryingly, I think some food is being recycled, and worse still,
0:36:03 > 0:36:08when it's being recycled, it isn't being heated up properly.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- TRANSLATION:- We have problems with the personnel,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13they are not so professional,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15they can't really do their jobs right,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18but I do take the blame on myself and my assistant managers,
0:36:18 > 0:36:22that we should tell these people to be more careful.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25'And then, there's that pool.'
0:36:25 > 0:36:28I think you need to call in a company to deal with this,
0:36:28 > 0:36:33because at the moment it's dangerous, because you can't see the bottom.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38I know we have problems,
0:36:38 > 0:36:43four or five days ago we indicated a change in the pool's water,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45so we brought the experts in and I must admit,
0:36:45 > 0:36:50also the misuse of the pool by some of our guests.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53'And it's a similar story for the fire alarms,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55'apparently the fault of an outside contractor.'
0:36:56 > 0:37:00It seems like lots of people are to blame - the fire company hasn't
0:37:00 > 0:37:04sorted out the fire safety stuff, the guests have messed up the pool.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06The big question is,
0:37:06 > 0:37:11for British holiday-makers booking a holiday here, can they trust it?
0:37:13 > 0:37:17British tourists are very important for our hotel,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and we may have some problems,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23I assure you and I promise you that with all the changes
0:37:23 > 0:37:26and improvements that we're going to do before the next season,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29everybody from Britain can come and stay in our hotel
0:37:29 > 0:37:31and have a nice holiday with total safety.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38I have to say, I'm very concerned, I'm hearing a lot of excuses,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42so I can't tell you how much I hope, for all the people staying here,
0:37:42 > 0:37:43that things improve.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47The list of changes needed here is overwhelming,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50but there's one thing that I'm determined to get fixed BEFORE I go.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55A grizzly poolside problem that's been getting right up
0:37:55 > 0:37:57the noses of the sunbathing Brits.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01# It's a mess, I tell you... #
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- Yeah, that's been there three days apparently.- Three days?
0:38:04 > 0:38:06And they've been round and swept up this morning,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08but they've still left that there.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Someone's been a bit ill over there, there's a bit of sick,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- could you ask someone to clean it up?- OK, I understand.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Quite a lot of people there trying to sunbathe.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Well, better late than never, and just in case you've ever
0:38:21 > 0:38:24wondered how many guys it takes to clean up a bit of sick...
0:38:24 > 0:38:26the answer apparently, is three.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31But of course, I'm not going to leave it there.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Later in the show I'll be returning to the scene of grime to see
0:38:34 > 0:38:37if Hussein's kept his promise that Brits can have a pleasant
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and totally safe holiday at his hotel.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Earlier in the programme I started looking at how many injuries
0:38:48 > 0:38:51occur at holiday water parks,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53including the case of Des Jarvis,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57who faced the prospect of possibly losing his leg after
0:38:57 > 0:39:02an appalling accident on a water slide at a five-star resort.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Of course, accidents do happen,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09a staggering 40,000 a year in Europe alone.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12But I can't believe that a tragedy as serious as Des'
0:39:12 > 0:39:16was not preventable. So, I've called on the advice of an expert.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Alan Wilson has more than 20 years' health and safety experience.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I've asked him to meet me at the Windsor Leisure Centre, where the
0:39:27 > 0:39:31water slides have been designed to British recommended standards.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34The exit pools are more than long enough.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38None of them are coming more than 25% across this pool.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40The slides are well planned and maintained.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45The last two sections of that slide have been designed
0:39:45 > 0:39:46to decelerate him.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Instead of shooting off the end like an Exocet,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52you just drop down into the water.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55'And there are plenty of trained, attentive staff.'
0:39:55 > 0:39:58We've got lifeguards here, here, we've got lifeguards at the top.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02You've still got the thrill factor, everyone's enjoying it
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and rushing to get back up there.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09So what will Alan make of Des' footage
0:40:09 > 0:40:11from the Didim Beach Resort in Turkey?
0:40:13 > 0:40:16That is absolutely terrifying the way they're coming off them slides.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Look at the speed they're coming off!
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Every one of these people coming down I think are fortunate
0:40:22 > 0:40:24they're not receiving some sort of injury.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Also, looking at it, the water level looks too low.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31These people are likely to be hitting their feet
0:40:31 > 0:40:33on the slide steps, which are underwater.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39And I don't know how well this is policed by their lifeguards.
0:40:39 > 0:40:40But that guy went down feet first,
0:40:40 > 0:40:45if people go down headfirst you're looking at possible fatality.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49I would imagine there has been more than one accident.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52'And it seems that Alan's instincts are not wrong.'
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I've had a very quick trawl through the internet
0:40:55 > 0:40:59and already I've turned up four very similar situations.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Including one involving Stuart Dagger.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Security officer Stuart was also on a family holiday
0:41:05 > 0:41:10when he tried the same set of slides as Des Jarvis.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15When I got to the bottom of the slide, it was pretty immediate.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19I've gone from lying on my back to literally vertical.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Both my heels slammed into the floor,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28the shock wave shot right through me.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Instantaneous, ran right through my body.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I managed to get myself out the pool and hobbled off.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37For a child, it's fine, totally fine,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40but for an adult, that landing pool is not deep enough.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Stuart was relatively lucky.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48An X-ray at A&E back in the UK revealed no breaks,
0:41:48 > 0:41:49just tissue damage,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51which meant crutches whilst he recovered.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54But he's terrified that the same thing, or worse,
0:41:54 > 0:41:55could happen to someone else.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03One of the main things I'm hoping for is that the hotel and the
0:42:03 > 0:42:06holiday companies take responsibility for what they've done
0:42:06 > 0:42:08and put things right, simple as that.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12At the time of their accidents, the five-star Didim Beach Resort
0:42:12 > 0:42:14was marketed by several companies,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16including First Choice and Thomas Cook.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20You'd think that booking with brands like that would mean
0:42:20 > 0:42:22extra safety, wouldn't you?
0:42:22 > 0:42:23We put our findings to them.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Neither First Choice nor Thomas Cook for Airtours were prepared to
0:42:29 > 0:42:32be interviewed on the programme, but they did give us a statement,
0:42:32 > 0:42:33First Choice saying that the health
0:42:33 > 0:42:37and safety of their customers is "of paramount importance" to them
0:42:37 > 0:42:40and they operate the strictest quality standards
0:42:40 > 0:42:41across all their hotels,
0:42:41 > 0:42:43while Airtours - Thomas Cook - say that,
0:42:43 > 0:42:45"We take the report of our holiday-makers having
0:42:45 > 0:42:48"accidents extremely seriously,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51"and an independent expert has done a full review of the
0:42:51 > 0:42:53"hotel's water slides to check that they meet British
0:42:53 > 0:42:55"and European safety requirements."
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Airtours say that they fully audited the park in 2011
0:42:59 > 0:43:01and it complied with European standards,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04and the resort themselves state that their
0:43:04 > 0:43:06health and safety policy is second to none,
0:43:06 > 0:43:09the slides comply with European standards
0:43:09 > 0:43:11and are perfectly safe to use.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Both Stuart and Des are taking legal action against the
0:43:14 > 0:43:16holiday company with whom they booked.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Internationally, safety standards for water parks are
0:43:18 > 0:43:22so inconsistent that ABTA have issued the
0:43:22 > 0:43:25British and European standard as guidance to all their members.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28We introduced the guidelines last year
0:43:28 > 0:43:31because we have been aware of a growing number of incidents
0:43:31 > 0:43:33with water parks,
0:43:33 > 0:43:36so we wanted to make sure this was addressed within our guidelines.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40And therein lies the problem - local laws vary
0:43:40 > 0:43:45and we can't be sure how well or often they're enforced or checked.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48So, before you head out on your water park adventure,
0:43:48 > 0:43:51make time for a few simple checks.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Spend a few minutes watching the rides before you go on them.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Check if they look well maintained.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00Are there plenty of lifeguards, and do they look competent?
0:44:02 > 0:44:05Before you go down any slide, check where you'll come out.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Does it look deep enough and have plenty of run-off?
0:44:08 > 0:44:12And remember, any activity involving water - fun as it is -
0:44:12 > 0:44:13comes with risk,
0:44:13 > 0:44:16be it simply slipping over or more serious accidents
0:44:16 > 0:44:19like collisions or drowning.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22So, be sensible, and make sure that you follow the rules.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Earlier in the programme I sent
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Helen and Joe off in search of holiday heaven,
0:44:34 > 0:44:36to see whether or not Britain really can compete with
0:44:36 > 0:44:40the rest of the word when it comes to our hard-earned holiday budgets.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44This week, the challenge was to find an absolutely brilliant
0:44:44 > 0:44:47family beach holiday.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Helen has plumped for the Suffolk seaside resort of Aldeburgh.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56And Joe, well, he's jetting off to Cirali, on the coast of Turkey.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02It's 5:30 in the morning, it's still dark and I'm at the beach.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Even for those of you who like to get here early to nab the best spot,
0:45:05 > 0:45:07this is a bit extreme.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09But I'm here to hopefully meet
0:45:09 > 0:45:12one of the very special visitors to this area.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Wow! Look at that!
0:45:20 > 0:45:24So this is one that had hatched but he hadn't made his way up through the sand yet.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27This is incredible! Look at that!
0:45:27 > 0:45:29My goodness! And we've got a bit of movement to one side.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Is there something else? HE GASPS
0:45:31 > 0:45:34Another one coming through!
0:45:34 > 0:45:37Every year during the British summer school holidays
0:45:37 > 0:45:40thousands of these loggerhead turtles hatch
0:45:40 > 0:45:43and make their way into the sea.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46It's mesmerising! It's absolutely incredible!
0:45:46 > 0:45:49It really is a very, very special activity
0:45:49 > 0:45:51that people can do here as a family.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- Do you know how big they get when they're fully grown?- Hm.- Yeah! Huge!
0:45:57 > 0:45:59SHE LAUGHS Huge!
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Now, I know in Suffolk they also have shingle beaches
0:46:03 > 0:46:05and you can also watch the sunrise,
0:46:05 > 0:46:09but you certainly can't witness what I've just seen here this morning.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15'Add to that snorkelling in clear, warm waters,
0:46:15 > 0:46:17'family cycling expeditions...'
0:46:17 > 0:46:19Here we go! Bingo!
0:46:19 > 0:46:21'..and fishing for your lunch...'
0:46:21 > 0:46:25A fisherman's trick, if you hold it nice and close to the camera it makes it look bigger.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29'..and I think this is the perfect family beach holiday.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31'And I'm pretty sure I've beaten
0:46:31 > 0:46:34'Helen's Suffolk seaside break hands down.'
0:46:39 > 0:46:42Don't speak too soon, Joe, because it's not just abroad
0:46:42 > 0:46:45that you can have close encounters of the animal kind.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47MUSIC: The Lion Sleeps Tonight
0:46:51 > 0:46:53You can touch the giraffe?!
0:46:53 > 0:46:55- ALL LAUGH - You can feed them.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57You can touch the giraffe!
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Just up the road from my digs in Aldeburgh
0:47:00 > 0:47:04is the Africa Alive safari park.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07Wow! Hello, giraffe! He's huge, isn't he?
0:47:07 > 0:47:09It's quite a privilege to be this close,
0:47:09 > 0:47:13because I imagine in the wild you don't even get this close, do you?
0:47:13 > 0:47:17Entrance is around 60 quid for a family of four,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20plus extras for some of the more special activities like this.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24Which Lily and Summer are clearly loving.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28All right? I think you'd have to go a long way round the world to beat this.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30And you can also get involved
0:47:30 > 0:47:33in one of the weirdest things I've ever done.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37The word "aardvark" is actually translated into "earth pig"
0:47:37 > 0:47:40and we get them to feed from the bottle just like this.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43And you can see the length of the tongue as they take it from a bottle.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45- HE LAUGHS - That's amazing!
0:47:47 > 0:47:51And we'll also apply out in this hot weather a factor of 30.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56There you go. Here's a little bit of sun cream. I don't want you burning.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00- Oh, look at them, they're spooning! - HE LAUGHS
0:48:00 > 0:48:02Now, you see, people travel all over the world
0:48:02 > 0:48:06to experience unusual and different things, this is pretty unusual.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10- This is up there with one of the most unusual things.- Yes, definitely.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Sunbathing and picnicking with an aardvark. - HE LAUGHS
0:48:13 > 0:48:16ROCK 'N' ROLL MUSIC
0:48:17 > 0:48:21It's clear all the families here are having a ball.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23And throw in one of the coolest pier-top arcades...
0:48:25 > 0:48:27SHE SCREAMS
0:48:27 > 0:48:30..and I reckon the Suffolk seaside
0:48:30 > 0:48:32is a match for anywhere in the world.
0:48:32 > 0:48:37I've got sand, I've got surf and it's not that cold.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41Problem is...it is quite cold, actually.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Angela set us a two grand budget for a family of at least four
0:48:45 > 0:48:47and I'm well under.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49Even if you splash out on that large apartment,
0:48:49 > 0:48:51you'd have plenty left in the kitty
0:48:51 > 0:48:54for more entertainment and treats if you fancied it.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57A pretty strong argument for holidaying at home.
0:48:57 > 0:49:02Yeah, well don't get too smug, Helen, because I'm under budget too...just.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Yes, I took a hit on the airfares,
0:49:05 > 0:49:06but once I'd covered the accommodation
0:49:06 > 0:49:09all the fun was dirt cheap or even free.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12And, let's face it, when you've got clear blue skies
0:49:12 > 0:49:18and a deliciously warm sea, you don't really have to go off in search of entertainment.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20So that is a win for me, I reckon.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24So, guys, a family beach holiday.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26Now, Britain has some terrific beaches,
0:49:26 > 0:49:29but I wonder are they going to be beaten by those abroad. Joe?
0:49:29 > 0:49:32Quite. I went to Turkey and it was beautiful,
0:49:32 > 0:49:35crystal clear waters, wonderful snorkelling,
0:49:35 > 0:49:37we released turtles into the ocean,
0:49:37 > 0:49:39and actually once you're there it's very cheap as well,
0:49:39 > 0:49:42the beach and all that kind of fun and games is completely free of charge.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45So a fantastic holiday for guaranteed sun.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47- I'll say that again, guaranteed sun. - Oh, right!
0:49:47 > 0:49:51- He's rubbing it in.- But you can also have free fun and games in Britain. - THEY LAUGH
0:49:51 > 0:49:54The good thing about staying in Britain
0:49:54 > 0:49:56is you can take extended members of your family.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59And, of course, you don't have to hire an expensive family house,
0:49:59 > 0:50:01you could go in caravans or even go camping.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04And when we have a great summer it does take a bit of beating,
0:50:04 > 0:50:10but if you want that guaranteed sunshine then really no choice is it, Joe?
0:50:10 > 0:50:12Hey, these are the options. Got it covered.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20Fortunately, most holidays run problem free,
0:50:20 > 0:50:24but there are all kinds of medical mishaps that can get in the way of our fun in the sun
0:50:24 > 0:50:28and that's why the Beach Surgery is open for business.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32Over the course of the series, Dr Chris van Tulleken and I
0:50:32 > 0:50:35will be on call for British holiday-makers
0:50:35 > 0:50:38experiencing some of those common...
0:50:38 > 0:50:40Every time I fly my feet swell up.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42'..and not so common...' Are you all right?
0:50:42 > 0:50:44'..holiday ailments.'
0:50:44 > 0:50:47It might be a running skin worm.
0:50:49 > 0:50:53First up today, it's five-year-old Ruby Fisher.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57Yesterday...Ruby was complaining of a sore ear.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Ruby had gone to sleep as normal,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03but then woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain.
0:51:03 > 0:51:09I mean, she was in so much pain, so much agony, nothing would, you know, relax her.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12- So you've been here for slightly more than a week?- Yeah.- And you didn't...
0:51:12 > 0:51:16Your ears didn't hurt after the plane flight when you came in? OK.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19- Have you been swimming?- We spent quite a lot of time in the pool
0:51:19 > 0:51:24and yesterday she did spend quite a lot of time under the water as well.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26Open your mouth wide. Say, "Ah!"
0:51:26 > 0:51:28- Ah!- Right, I'm going to have a look at your ear.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31And we will see if we can see anything.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34It's probably swimmer's ear. So it's probably an infection of the ear canal
0:51:34 > 0:51:37- that some drops will just clear up.- Yeah.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39- What is swimmer's ear?- If you get water in the ear canal
0:51:39 > 0:51:43it can get inflamed and itchy and it can be fungus or bacteria,
0:51:43 > 0:51:45just inflammation of the ear canal itself.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48Water in the ear canal
0:51:48 > 0:51:49can leave the inner ear
0:51:49 > 0:51:51more vulnerable to infection,
0:51:51 > 0:51:53which is why swimmer's ear
0:51:53 > 0:51:55or otitis externa
0:51:55 > 0:51:59is one of the most common conditions to affect competitive swimmers.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01The water can wash away protective wax
0:52:01 > 0:52:05and provide a moist environment for bacteria to prosper.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09Getting water out of the ear after you go swimming is the best thing to do.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12So after you go in the water, Ruby, you've got to do a little dance.
0:52:12 > 0:52:16You've got to get the head right over...and get the leg up.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19And shake your leg and just let the water come out of your ears, OK?
0:52:19 > 0:52:23'She doesn't look impressed! If it doesn't right itself in a couple of days,
0:52:23 > 0:52:26'antibiotic ear drops should quickly clear Ruby's problem.'
0:52:26 > 0:52:30Oh, well, that's good now. At least we know we can go in that swimming pool.
0:52:30 > 0:52:36'So Ruby can continue to have fun in the hotel pool as long as she agrees to try to keep her ears dry.'
0:52:39 > 0:52:43Next to throw herself on the mercy of good Dr Chris today is Cathy Page,
0:52:43 > 0:52:47who's come along with her friend and is worried about the effects of sunbathing.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53I've got this mole and I know myself it's changed and everything.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55And I've been putting things off,
0:52:55 > 0:53:01but my daughter said, "Mum, this is an opportunity, why don't you go and see about it?"
0:53:01 > 0:53:02OK. Well, let's go and see Dr Chris.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05'Cathy has been ignoring the problem for a while,
0:53:05 > 0:53:09'but has been persuaded by her daughter to see Dr Chris.'
0:53:09 > 0:53:14- I've had this and it's changed and it's got a bit bigger.- OK.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17- But, I mean, I have spent a long time in the sun.- Have you?
0:53:17 > 0:53:19When I was young and without any sun cream.
0:53:19 > 0:53:23- Did you get a lot of sunburns when you were younger?- I've had a few.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27- It's the burning that puts you at risk of the dangerous stuff, for the most part.- Right.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31Having some sun in our lives is probably good for us overall,
0:53:31 > 0:53:33but burning and too much sun is bad for us.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36So it's kind of finding the right amount and I think people
0:53:36 > 0:53:40of...kind of an older generation, probably you just weren't as aware of it.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43I think when you're younger you're a bit oblivious,
0:53:43 > 0:53:45you're not thinking about 60 years down the line, are you?
0:53:45 > 0:53:48- I've sunbathed in vinegar.- Yeah. - Why?- Sunbathed in vinegar?!
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- Yeah. And olive oil, you put it over.- So it's salad dressing, basically?
0:53:52 > 0:53:54And a bit of garlic, some mustard? THEY LAUGH
0:53:54 > 0:53:56A few herbs. Right, I think we need to put
0:53:56 > 0:54:00- a don't-do-this-at-home disclaimer on the sunbathing in salad dressing. - No, don't do it, I fried.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06The exact causes of skin cancer are unknown,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09but most cases are linked to exposure to UV light,
0:54:09 > 0:54:12which is what sun cream protects us from.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15But salad dressing certainly won't,
0:54:15 > 0:54:19which is why DIY sun protection is not a good idea.
0:54:19 > 0:54:24The first sign of a problem is usually a new mole or a change in an existing one.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27If we look at it, what are the things that we might worry about?
0:54:27 > 0:54:32Well, the dangerous cancers, the melanomas, they're often dark,
0:54:32 > 0:54:35a change is always worrying, you can have a mole that changes.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38Sometimes they can bleed, sometimes they can itch.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41The things that worry me about this, it's got darker and it's changed.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Oh, it's changed, it's protruded.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46I would suggest when you get back to the UK, you see your GP.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50I suspect they will send you to a dermatologist who will make a little incision,
0:54:50 > 0:54:54cut it out, you'll have it done in half an hour and they'll look at it under a microscope
0:54:54 > 0:54:56and they can say it is or it isn't.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58And they can treat you accordingly.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01It's maybe good, because my daughter's forced me to come,
0:55:01 > 0:55:03it'll make me go to the GP.
0:55:05 > 0:55:09If you are worried about your skin here's a few top tips on the things that you should look out for
0:55:09 > 0:55:11if you have got a mole.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13A is for Asymmetry.
0:55:13 > 0:55:14An irregular shaped mole
0:55:14 > 0:55:16should be checked out.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19B is for Border. If the edges aren't clearly defined
0:55:19 > 0:55:21it is also a cause for concern.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25C stands for Colour.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29If the colour is varied or dark it's another bad sign.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32And finally, D is the Diameter.
0:55:32 > 0:55:36Melanomas tend to be greater than half a centimetre.
0:55:38 > 0:55:43And, remember, treatment of skin cancers has improved substantially in recent years
0:55:43 > 0:55:47and they can often be dealt with very simply and very effectively.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49BELL
0:55:53 > 0:55:58Earlier in the show, I promised I would return to L'Ambiance Resort in Turkey
0:55:58 > 0:56:03to check how they were getting on tackling the long list of faults at the hotel.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06And four weeks after my visit I have.
0:56:06 > 0:56:11But everything is...well, just a little bit mysterious.
0:56:15 > 0:56:20Now, when we said to the manager that I was coming back to see the changes being put in place,
0:56:20 > 0:56:24they said not possible, the hotel's going to be closed, the manager's going to be away.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26You know, nothing doing.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28However, now we're here... HE LAUGHS
0:56:28 > 0:56:31..the hotel isn't quite closed, there's no paying guests here
0:56:31 > 0:56:36but there are a few people around and I've just heard the manager is on site.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40Hussein, good to see you again.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42- How are you?- How are you? All right.
0:56:42 > 0:56:47So we promised we'd do a revisit to show our viewers what's changed and what's been going on,
0:56:47 > 0:56:49and what they can expect from this hotel.
0:56:49 > 0:56:54What could we film during the course of today now we're here?
0:56:54 > 0:56:56TRANSLATED FROM TURKISH
0:56:56 > 0:56:59We don't need to do any filming inside because we're not ready yet.
0:56:59 > 0:57:00OK, so no filming today?
0:57:00 > 0:57:04- Nothing really, no changes?- Thank you very much.- OK. Thank you.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07- Thank you for coming again.- OK.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09Stop the filming. OK.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13There we have it. So...
0:57:13 > 0:57:16maybe not quite the revisit we were hoping for, I guess.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18A bit disappointing. Hm.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23Well, to be frank, this hasn't turned out how I'd hoped.
0:57:23 > 0:57:27Things certainly haven't got better, in fact, I'd say they've got a bit worse.
0:57:27 > 0:57:31Now, the manager has said it's OK, there's still plenty of time before next season to put things right,
0:57:31 > 0:57:34but what's also apparent is there's no urgency here.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37They weren't fixing problems when the guests were here
0:57:37 > 0:57:41and they're certainly not even now the guests have gone home.
0:57:41 > 0:57:46So I sincerely hope that over the coming months the manager does stay true to his word
0:57:46 > 0:57:53and makes the changes that are necessary here for guests to have a happy and safe holiday experience.
0:57:58 > 0:58:01- That's it for Holiday Hit Squad this week.- On next week's programme.
0:58:01 > 0:58:04Behind the scenes at a Turkish A&E.
0:58:04 > 0:58:08- Four breaks?! You made a proper job of it, didn't you?- Yeah.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11I check into another heartbreak hotel.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14My goodness! There's a whole wall of grime!
0:58:14 > 0:58:16And Joe and I take a thrill-seeking break.
0:58:18 > 0:58:20That was absolutely fantastic!
0:58:21 > 0:58:23So be sure to make a date to join us.
0:58:23 > 0:58:27But until then, from all the team, bye-bye.