RNLI in Scotland reminds public to Float to Live as warm weather hits beaches

Research released last month by the RNLI revealed that while 85% of people in Scotland plan to visit the coast this summer, a worrying 75% would not think to try and float as their first action if they find themselves struggling in the water.

The single piece of advice which the RNLI is urging the public to remember, share and practise is: If you find yourself struggling in water, Float to Live.

Glasgow local, Gordon MacDonald, was rescued from the water by Campbeltown RNLI in August 2022. He was on holiday in Kintyre and paddling at Westport Beach with family when they experienced what was described as a 'freak wave' that brought everyone off their feet.

Gordon was being pulled further away from the shore and in desperate need of assistance. Thankfully, volunteer crew members, Gregory, Michael and William, responded and found Gordon in the water.

Gordon says: ‘When I was floating, I was thinking I’m not going to make it. Thoughts like that are going through your head and you’re thinking, what have I done here and how has this happened? And then to be given that back, because at that point, it appeared it was being taken away from me, and to be able to live life again - that is quite priceless.

‘I owe my life to the volunteer crew members and the RNLI. Without them I wouldn’t be here.’

By floating, Gordon was able to give himself more time and wait for assistance from RNLI volunteer crews.

Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead from the RNLI in Scotland, says: 

‘Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about. We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. 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 give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety. 

‘RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives at the coast each year but, sadly, in 2024, 33 people accidentally lost their lives in Scotland’s waters¹. We’re urging people to remember, practise and share the float technique to help save more lives.’ 

Michael continues:

‘The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users. This advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water.’

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.  

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• WAID Scotland report and data (2024): Data Reports | Water Safety Scotland

RNLI media contacts

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Emma Lees, RNLI Communications Placement for Scotland, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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.