RNLI launches safety campaign as figures show 22 deaths from accidental drowning
With warmer weather, a bank holiday and the May half term approaching, the RNLI is launching a Float to Live campaign, to ensure families know what to do should they get into trouble on the water.
The launch comes after figures reveal there were 22 deaths in the North West from accidental drowning in 2022 across inland and coastal locations.* Overall in the UK the figure was 226. Of the people who died across the UK, 40 per cent had no intention of entering the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.
Recent research also indicates a third of UK people don’t know what to do if they get into difficulty in the water.**
Experts at the charity are urging everyone planning to enjoy the coast to remember that if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. The campaign is launched as the RNLI reveals that 32% of people still do not know what to do if they unexpectedly get into difficulty in the water.
New research carried out by the RNLI and the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL) tested people in different open water environments.
The research has shown that tilting your head back to submerge the ears is key; we all float best in slightly different positions so your legs may naturally sink, and you may need to use your hands to scull.
Relax and try to breathe normally, then once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you feel able.
If you spot someone else in trouble in the water call 999 – if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard, or if inland ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
The RNLI & EEL research shows that floating is different for everyone, where some people naturally float with little movement, others require gentle use of their hands and legs to stay afloat.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales, West and Isle of Man says:
‘We’re keen for people to take heed of some simple safety advice to keep them and their families safe as they make plans for the bank holiday weekend of the upcoming half term.
‘Traditionally, with the weather warming up, people have flocked to the coast to enjoy our fabulous coastline. We want people to have fun but want to ensure if an emergency unfolds, people know what to do.
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help to swim to safety if you can.
‘I’d really encourage anyone reading this to help spread the word to any family and friends – and next time you are in a safe environment practice floating for yourself - why not try it between the red and yellow flags when visiting an RNLI lifeguarded beach.’
Professor Mike Tipton, from the University of Portsmouth EEL, said:
‘We have had a long and productive relationship with the RNLI and it is great to see our collaborative research saving yet more lives in water. It also emphasises the importance of raising public awareness of Float to Live via as many platforms as possible.’
ENDS
Notes to editors
For further information please see www.rnli.org/safety/float
*Drownings stat: is from the WAID Water Incident Database (WAID), maintained by the National Water Safety Forum. To view and download the WAID 2022 report visit: https://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/waid
**RNLI research on Float to Live awareness: Basis Research, RNLI Water Safety Survey, April 2023. Representative sample of 1,007 UK adults aged 16-64
· Float to Live research: In 2022 the team at the Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL) at the University of Portsmouth undertook a piece of research that set out to develop the existing ‘Float to Live’ advice.
· About the University of Portsmouth: The University of Portsmouth is a progressive and dynamic university with an outstanding reputation for innovative teaching and globally significant research and innovation.
The University's research and innovation culture is impacting lives today and in the future and addressing local, national and global challenges across science, technology, humanities, business and creative industries. http://www.port.ac.uk/
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For more information please telephone Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or the RNLI’s press office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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