RNLI issue water safety advice as hot weather hits North West

• With yellow heat health alerts in effect for much of the UK, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is warning of the dangers at the coast.
  
  
• The charity is urging people to remember a single piece of advice – Float to Live –which could help save their life if they are struggling in the water.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead, says:

‘Heading to the coast in hot weather is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off – but the water can be dangerous. Air temperatures may feel warm, especially over the next few days, but UK sea temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock, while big waves and strong rip currents can over-power even the most confident water users.

‘The single piece of advice we’re urging people to remember is Float to Live: 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.

‘We know this advice saves lives. To date, we’re aware of around 50 people who have used the Float to Live advice to help themselves survive when in danger in the water – and these are just the cases we’re aware of. There may be many more. We’re calling on people to remember the advice, practice it and share it.

‘We know that the risk of accidental drowning is five times higher when air temperatures are at or above 25°C* and the air temperatures are forecast to be above 25°C for much of the North West over the next couple of days. We also know that many students will be finishing their GCSE exams and wanting to enjoy the start of summer.

‘We want everyone to be able to enjoy the coast, or being near any body of water safely and make sure they know what to do if they do end up in difficulty or spot someone else in trouble. We have a number of lifeguarded beaches across the North West – you can find your nearest by visiting the RNLI website at rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.’

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.
• *Risk of accidental drowning is five times higher when air temperatures are at or above 25°C compared to days with an average of 10°C [research from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) and Royal Life Saving society UK (RLSS UK)].

Media contacts

For more information, please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315. Alternatively you can 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.