RNLI urging public to follow safety advice as warm weather continues

With so many people already tragically losing their lives to drowning this summer, the lifesaving organisation is also appealing to people to share its Float to Live advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teens.

While the air temperature is very warm, water temperatures are still cold, with cold water shock remaining a risk, together with the debilitating affect cold water can have on people’s ability to swim.

Peter Dawes, General Manager – Lifeguard Operations, said: ‘During the warm weather, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags - this designated area is actively monitored by lifeguards and is the safest place to swim.

‘If you find yourself in trouble in the water, 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 danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.

‘By remembering this advice and sharing it widely, we can all play a role in helping to save more lives from drowning.’

The RNLI recommends checking online to Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach.

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 Phone, Float Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.

• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.

• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

To stay safe during this spell of hot weather, the RNLI is encouraging people to:

• Check the weather and tide times before setting off for the coast.

• Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.

• Swim between the red and yellow flags.

• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.

• If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Ben Williets, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [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.

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.