The Foreign Office has updated its latest Italy travel advice and issued a stark warning for Brits planning to visit over the summer holidays

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Italy and issued a stark warning for Brits planning to visit its beautiful hotspots on their summer holidays.

Italy is already known for having a few different rules around its beach and lakeside resorts. For example in Sorrento, people are banned from wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools with fines of around £431 for rule-breakers, while Portofino, Positano and Capri have also enforced similar rules.

Meanwhile over in Sardinia, a controversial beach umbrella rule means that only certain visitors can use the sun-shading umbrellas on the shores of a popular beach.

However, the Foreign Office has now issued a new warning for Brits planning to hit the Italian coast this summer - but it's nothing to do with local rules or dress codes.

In a fresh update issued on Monday 6 July, the UK government body has warned holidaymakers to be extra vigilant on beaches, around the lakes, and if they're planning to take a dip in swimming pools. "Every year, people drown in the sea, lakes and in swimming pools in Italy," it warns.

For swimming pools, the warning specifically calls out those travelling with children, urging families to "always supervise children" and keep them "within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present".

Meanwhile, for those planning to head to iconic lakes including Lake Garda and Lake Como, while social media feeds are full of people diving into the azure waters, the Foreign Office has warned that you should check the water before you fully commit.

"Test the water temperature before swimming in a lake," the advice warns. "Cold water shock can be extremely dangerous and overwhelm even the strongest swimmers. See Met Office tips on staying safe."

As for beaches? Again, families are being urged to always supervise children and keep young children within arms-reach. "Some beaches may have strong undercurrents," the advice warns. "Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.

"Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.

"If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.

"See further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages from the Royal Life Saving Society. Follow local advice if jellyfish are present."

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