Hot weather water safety: Single piece of advice could save your life

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, says:

‘Beaches around the UK will be busy in this hot weather so we’re sharing a single piece of advice – Float to Live – which could save the life of anyone who ends up in danger in the water.

‘Most people instinctively thrash about or panic when in danger in water – but we’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to relax and float: Tilt your head back, relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you have the chance to recover your breathing so you can then call for help or swim to safety.

‘Whether it’s an exhausted swimmer, someone who has been dragged out by a rip current, or someone who has fallen into the water and is suffering from the effects of cold water shock, this single piece of advice could save their life.

‘We are already aware of over 50 people who have used the Float to Live advice to help themselves survive in water, and we’re asking the public to remember, practise and share the advice, to help save more lives.’

The charity’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to breathe normally

• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

• Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

• Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

• Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float.

Notes to Editors

• RNLI water safety spokespeople are available for interview.

Media contacts

For more information, please contact the RNLI press office on [email protected] / 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.