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Brighton RNLI encourages people to practice vital float technique–from dry land!

Lifeboats News Release

Brighton RNLI water safety teams will be at Hove lawns this weekend showcasing their new float to live safety mat.

Float to live mat

RNLI

Float to live mat

The charity wants to remind those visiting the coast this summer that if they get into trouble in the water – they need to fight the urge to panic and instead remain calm and allow themselves to float.

To Float to Live:

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

The advice comes as the RNLI launched it’s float to live campaign earlier this month as it is revealed 83% of the UK adult population aged (16-64) expect to visit the coast this summer[1], and 40% expect to go three times or more.

Although beach leisure time has increased in the UK by nearly a third (28%) over the past three years[2], 10%[3] of people said the potential dangers associated with the water are something they don't think about often and 36%[4] of people don’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.

Research by the RNLI and University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL)[5] 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. The technique has been tested in different open water environments, which shows that Float to Live is helpful both at the coast and in inland waters.

Brighton volunteer water safety officer Vicki Linton-Crook said: ‘We are very excited to test out our new mat this weekend – come along with your family and give it a try.

‘Discover essential water safety tips to share with your friends and family, and to stay safe throughout the summer, and find out more about what we do at RNLI Brighton.’

The water safety event is taking place on Saturday 15 June 11:30am-3:00pm by Hove Lawns Café.


[2] The Nursery - Water Sports Participation survey [Sabine please confirm this reference]

[3] Basis Research RNLI water safety Pre campaign survey 2024

[4] Basis Research RNLI water safety Pre campaign survey 2024

[5] RNLI and the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL)

RNLI water safety expert Ross Macleod tries out the mat

RNLI

RNLI water safety expert Ross Macleod tries out the mat

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.