Social distancing duck whistles introduced at Devon holiday park
Park staff at Cofton Holidays are now providing colourful, high-pitched duck whistles to help guests staying with them to maintain social distancing while enjoying the countryside trail of South Devon.
Available to guests, the whistles are being introduced by ‘quackers’ staff at the popular holiday park in a bid to help visitors alert others to their presence. Holidaymakers can blow hard on the whistles to help them maintain a good social distance from others when exploring the surrounding countryside, particularly when the path ahead is unclear, such as in dense woodland or when passing dips and bends on walking and cycling trails.
The idea for the whistles came to Devon-resident Chris Jeffery, a Director at Cofton Holidays, when his path ahead was rudely interrupted by a family of ducks while he was out walking with his family one evening. The next day, Chris ordered in 24 boxes of the duck whistles for guests to use over the coming weeks.
Families who have booked with Cofton Holidays can request a duck whistle at reception and they are also being handed out to families joining the park’s ‘Busy Bee’ escorted nature trail activity which takes place every Thursday.
Chris Jeffery said: ‘Not only do the whistles offer an added sense of security, but they’re also an awful lot of fun! I piloted the whistles with my children before rolling them out – my youngest son Teddy initially thought it was another one of dad’s silly ideas, but in the end both Teddy and his older brother Harry had a great time running around ‘quacking’ in the woods. Cases of Coronavirus are actually relatively low in Devon at present compared to much of the country, but we know that its always a risk so we’re keen to make social distancing as fun as it can be for families.’
The duck whistles are just one of the many measures that Cofton Holidays has put in place to protect visitors and help maintain social distancing. Others control measures include additional hand washing facilities, reduced contact check in procedures (with Perspex screens installed at reception, shops and restaurants), Personal Protective Equipment for staff, new signage and floor stickers to encourage social distancing, and thorough and regular deep cleaning procedures for accommodation, the park’s main complex’s, toilets, shower facilities and ‘high touchpoint areas’ such as counters, tables or chairs.
Cofton Holidays is also looking forward to reopening its entertainment venue on Saturday 15th August, following a full redesign to make the venue Covid-19 Safe. This includes new procedures that allow guests to book tables at specific time slots, as well as a new entertainment programme which includes the chance for families to meet ‘Digby and friends’ - all designed with reduced audience participation and spaced seating to help maintain social distancing. In the meantime, there will also be live entertainment will on the Amelia's Cafe Patio every evening, featuring children’s entertainment and live acoustic solos and duos.
Cofton Holidays is also located within close proximity of several picturesque walking and cycling trails that meander through hearty hills, idyllic woodland and gorgeous sandy beaches.
For more information, visit https://www.coftonholidays.co.uk/blog/weve-gone-quackers-to-help-you-fight-covid-19/
