A campaign has been launched to make holidaymakers aware of the dangers of balconies. Already this year three people have lost their lives after falling off balconies and 10 more have been injured. A spokesman for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that in Ibiza and Majorca there had been nine incidents involving young people which is the same as last year, although the 2012 holiday season is far from over.

Consul in the Balearics, Paul Abrey, said that already this summer there hade been a number of tragedies which have been devastating for the families of the individuals involved. He said the incidents had occurred because people had tried to climb up to apartments, had lost their footing after drinking too much alcohol or had injured themselves while trying to jump from a balcony into a swimming pool.

In May this year 23-year-old British tourist Charlotte Farris died after falling off her balcony at a hotel in Magaluf just hours after she checked in. A month earlier 28-year-old Benjamin Harper from London died after falling from his hotel balcony in Magaluf.

According to reports he was on a stag do and had gone out onto the balcony for a cigarette. The FCO is working with Abta and local tourist authorities to prevent accidents by raising awareness of the dangers of balconies.

Leaflets are being handed out to travellers containing the story of 18-year-old Jake Evans from Liverpool who survived falling seven floors from his balcony after drinking alcohol. His story is also featured on the FCO website.