RNLI launches its Float to Live campaign for 2026

The RNLI is urging people to remember the lifesaving technique as sea temperatures remain extremely cold at this time of year, increasing the risk of cold-water shock.

Bob Taylor, Bridlington RNLI volunteer Water Safety Officer, says: ‘We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting open water and the 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.’

Jordan Wylie MBE, award winning adventurer and TV personality is supporting the campaign.

Jordan said: ‘If you remember one thing this summer when heading to the coast or open water, make sure it’s the RNLI’s Float to Live advice. This simple technique really could save your life if you get into trouble in the water.’

In 2024, there were 193 accidental drowning fatalities and 84% were male. Males aged 20 to 29 were the highest group for accidental drowning fatalities.

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 RNLI.org/Float.

Media contacts

For further information please contact Bob Taylor, Bridlington RNLI water Safety Officer, email [email protected] or contact 01262-606332.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael Milner, 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.