RNLI launches Float to Live as lifeguards return to selected Welsh beaches
As the school holidays approach, the RNLI is urging people to remember the lifesaving technique if they get into trouble in the water. It is estimated that 48.97M people will be heading to the coast or open water at least once over the summer.
RNLI lifeguards will return to selected Welsh beaches this weekend in preparation for the May half term. Lifeguards will be demonstrating the float to live technique at Tenby Harbour this Tuesday to mark the launch of the campaign.
Chris Cousens, Regional Water Safety Lead said:
‘We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the Welsh 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.’
For the last 25 years, RNLI lifeguards have been making beaches safer across the UK. They share safety advice, provide first aid to those who need it and save the lives of those who get in trouble in the water.
During that time, they have made more than 48 million preventative actions, attended more than 330,000 incidents and aided more than 440,000 people on beaches around the UK and the Channel Islands. Last year in Wales, RNLI beach lifeguards saved 28 lives and aided a further 5,507 people.
Over May half term, the following beaches in Wales have RNLI lifeguards patrolling from 10am- 6pm:
Pembrokeshire: Whitesands beach, Newgale Central and Tenby South beach.
Swansea: Langland, Caswell, Aberavon, Pembrey, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon.
Bridgend: Barry Island, Coney/Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay, Rest Bay.
Cardigan: Llangrannog and Borth.
Denbighshire: Prestatyn and Rhyl.
After May half term, Three Cliffs, Port Eynon, Pembrey, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Newgale Central will be open on weekends only 10am-6pm. Whitesands, Tenby South, Langland, Caswell, Aberavon, Barry Island, Coney/Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay, Llangrannog and Borth will be lifeguarded full time 7 days a week, 10am-6pm for the remainder of the 2026 season.
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 Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Notes to editors
- RNLI launches Float to Live campaign today
- Imagery available here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/866177E2-11AF-43D1-BD0EA2351686AE2F/
RNLI Media Contacts
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Betsy Owen, Regional Communications Placement on [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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