Storm Goretti: RNLI issues key water safety advice for stormy conditions

With winds expected to reach speeds of 100mph and red, amber and yellow weather warnings in place for rain, wind, snow and ice across large parts of the UK, the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when near the water.

If visiting the coast, people are encouraged to stay a safe distance from wet and slippery edges, let someone know where you are going and carry a means of calling for help.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice 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
• It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember Call, Tell, Throw:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager said: ‘Storm Goretti is set to bring potentially dangerous conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant and not take unnecessary risks. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, we urge you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea.

'If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’

Notes to editors

· Interviews with RNLI water safety spokespeople are available upon request.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ben Williets, RNLI Press Officer on 01202 641450 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.