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RNLI launches FLOAT to Live campaign during National Water Safety Awareness Week

Lifeboats News Release

The RNLI has marked National Water Safety Awareness Week in Ireland with the launch of its FLOAT to Live campaign at Sandycove in Dublin today (Tuesday 18 June).

The event featured an in-person demonstration on how to carry out the Float to Live technique, which the charity advises could prove lifesaving for anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in the water.

The RNLI’s water safety team with volunteer lifeboat crew from Dun Laoghaire RNLI were on hand to explain the FLOAT To Live technique and the importance of having proper water safety advice and equipment when visiting the coast and inland waters during the summer.

Figures from Water Safety Ireland show an average of 10 drownings every month over five years, with males accounting for 70% of these tragedies. Additionally, 57% of accidental drownings involved people who were engaged in activities where they did not expect to enter the water. The RNLI is asking people to understand the FLOAT to Live message, remember it and share it, as it could save a life.

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

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘We are approaching the summer holidays which we expect to be incredibly busy at the coast and on inland waters. We want everyone to enjoy being around the water, but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do if they unexpectedly enter the water and become overwhelmed.’

‘It is important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks which can be present. 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, once you are through the initial shock, call for help to or swim to safety if you can.’

Visit RNLI.org/float2024 for more information.

Ends

FLOAT to live demonstration in Sandycove

RNLI/Niamh Stephenson

FLOAT to live demonstration in Sandycove

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.