RNLI urges families to share safety advice to prevent more drowning tragedies

The charity is sharing lifesaving advice, including what to do if you find yourself in danger in the water; what to do if you see someone else is struggling; awareness of key risks like cold water shock, and the best ways to stay safe – such as by choosing a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is appealing to people to remember and share its water safety advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teens, who accounted for the majority of the recent drowning fatalities.

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said:

‘Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those who lost their lives during the recent heatwave.

‘With another hot weekend on the way we are urging families to talk about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water with younger family members and friends.

‘We are also encouraging them to share our free downloadable social media videos and posts, which will help us to reach a younger audience with vital lifesaving advice which could save lives in coastal and inland waters.

‘Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise.

‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming 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.

‘If you are visiting the coast this weekend, the safest option is a lifeguarded beach, where you should swim between the red and yellow flags. If you can’t choose a lifeguarded beach, find out about your chosen beach before you visit – check weather and tide times and read local safety signage.

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

RNLI’s water safety advice:

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 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.

Free downloadable Float to Live social media assets.

Check online to Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

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.