RNLI brings vital water safety training to the V&A Dundee

The Waterside Responder Scheme, developed by the RNLI, is designed to provide specialist training to staff and waterside community members to help prevent drowning around rivers and waterways.

Staff members from the V&A, Discovery Point and Dundee Cycle Hub came together to learn about the dangers that cold water poses and were provided with the training and equipment to safely help save a life in an emergency.

The practical session allowed participants to act out scenarios with specialist throw bags - a 25 metre floating line used to pull a casualty to safety.

Callum Limond, Facilities Manager at V&A Dundee said: ‘The training was really interesting. Having the kit and being able to use it in training conditions was also really good.

‘The RNLI have kindly gifted us some throw bags which will be useful if something was to happen on the water here. This is something we haven’t had before.’

Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said: ‘This area near the V&A and by the River Tay is very popular and there is always a risk that somebody might fall into the water. Training staff members who work around here means that they are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe and also members of the public’

During the session, participants also learnt about the RNLI’s lifesaving Float to Live technique. Michael said: ‘If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, we recommend Float to Live. It’s very simple.

‘You lie on your back, tilt your head and submerge your ears. Then put your arms and legs out like a starfish and move them to help you stay afloat. Try to breathe normally and don’t worry if your legs sink. Everyone floats differently so it is good to practice floating in a local pool if you can, so you know what to do if you find yourself in difficulty.

‘We know from evidence that this technique saves lives.’

The RNLI recommend the following:

If you ever see someone in difficulty in the water, 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 or throw bag.

If you find yourself in difficulty, the charity’s advice 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 supervised location like a swimming pool if you can.   

Notes to editors

• In 2025, 90 people drowned in and around Scottish waters.
• More than 50 people have reported to the RNLI that using the Float to Live technique helped them survive an incident in the water.
• World Drowning Prevention Day takes place on Saturday 25 July. “This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it. An estimated 236,000 people drown every year.” World Health Organisation.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

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

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

Suzanne O’Brien, RNLI Communications 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.