RNLI reveals three in 10 people in Scotland unaware of vital life saving advice

The RNLI has launched its annual Float to Live campaign as schools break up for the Summer holidays to raise awareness of how you can take simple steps when you are struggling in the sea.

There is also concern that the rise in climate change will lead to more people flocking to the coast to cool off without knowing what to do in an emergency.

The charity says recent research shows that 30% of people in a survey in Scotland did not know they should use the life-saving technique of floating to live if they were in difficulty.

The charity is also concerned that 22% admit they would stand close to the edge of open water if they thought the risk was worth it for a good photo or selfie.

The survey also revealed that 20% say following safety rules would spoil their enjoyment around open water.

More than four in 10 people will visit the coast three or more times by the end of September and the RNLI is urging beach-goers to visit a beach with lifeguards to ensure they obtain the most up-to-date safety advice – and go home safely.

From 2013, when RNLI lifeguards were first introduced in Scotland, until 2025 lifeguards in Scotland have saved eight lives. They handled 2,413 incidents and helped 3,524 people of all ages.

The majority of incidents occur in July and August, with the peak time of emergencies being around 3pm.

Bradley Schreiber, a senior lifeguard with the RNLI, says: ‘These figures clearly tell us that whilst people from Scotland are open to taking risks at the coast, they wouldn’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.

‘We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the coast over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice. 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.’

The RNLI is celebrating the 25^th anniversary this year of bringing lifeguards onto the UK’s beaches and in Scotland the first beach with RNLI lifeguards was Coldingham in 2013.

In Scotland RNLI lifeguards can be found at eight beaches: Aberdour Silver Sands; Broughty Ferry; Burntisland; Coldingham; Elie Harbour; Leven; St Andrews east and west sands.

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:

• Phone 999 to get help

• Tell them to stay calm and float on their back

• Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float

RNLI Media Contacts

RNLI media contacts: 

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected] 

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

Suzanne O’Brien, RNLI Comms Placement for Scotland, 07483 494407, [email protected] 

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.