As temperatures rise - Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI safety advice

In recent weeks, we have been faced with a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost around water, with a number of tragic drownings reported during the spell of hot weather affecting much of the UK and Ireland in May. Our thoughts are with all the families, friends and communities affected.

These incidents underline why sharing our simple lifesaving advice is so important, particularly when warm weather draws more people to the coast, inland waterways and open water locations.

With warmer, sunnier weather forecast across parts of the UK and Ireland in the coming days – coinciding with an end of exam period for many students – increasing numbers of people will be heading to the water.

Why hot weather increases risk

When the weather is warm, more people enter the water. They might not understand the risks – including just how cold the water can be. Recent research has clearly demonstrated the link between rising air temperatures and an increase in accidental drownings, and sadly this was reflected during the last heatwave.

The Royal Lifesaving Society has identified a correlation between periods of hot weather and increased drowning incidents.

Research from Bournemouth University shows that when air temperatures reach 25°C or above, accidental drownings increase fivefold.

Over half (57%) of those who drowned during these heatwave periods were swimming, rather than accidentally entering the water.

Teenagers and young adults are disproportionately represented in these incidents.

‘It’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here’

The sea or open water may look inviting to people 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.

To help address this, we have developed targeted messaging specifically for heatwave conditions.

'It’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here’ message is designed to challenge assumptions about water temperature and raise awareness of the risks of cold water shock.

The campaign is activated when temperatures approach a ‘heatwave’ temperature threshold, and includes an increase in social media content, digital radio adverts and digital outdoor posters in key risk locations.

More than 50 people have already told the RNLI that Floating to Live saved their life.

When someone gets into difficulty in the water, their instinct is often to panic and swim hard. Float to Live helps them regain control:

Tilt your head back, submerging your ears.

Relax and control your breathing.

Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.

Your legs may sink – that’s OK. Everyone floats differently.

Practise floating at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

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.

How you can help

With another period of warmer weather on the horizon, plus more likely this summer, every conversation and every share matters. You can support the campaign by:

Downloading our Float to Live toolkit for ideas.

Sharing Float to Live advice with your networks, especially young people. You can send them this link: RNLI.org/FloatSkill

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hazel Bettison, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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.