RNLI issues safety warning ahead of warm weather this Bank Holiday weekend

With temperatures set to rise and people expected to flock to the coast, the RNLI is reminding everyone to visit a lifeguard patrolled beach.

The lifesaving charity warns that, while the sea can look inviting, especially in good weather, it still presents risks – the air temperature may be warm, but the seas around our coasts remain cold, putting water users at risk of cold water shock. The safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach.

For those unable to choose a lifeguarded beach, the RNLI advises finding out about your chosen beach before you visit – checking the weather and tide times, reading local safety signage, and knowing what to do should you or someone else end up struggling in the water.

Emmie Seward Adams, Water Safety Delivery Support at the RNLI, says: ‘There will likely be a huge number of people visiting the coast this weekend and we want everyone to remember Float to Live advice, which could save lives.

‘Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to gasp, panic and try to 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.

‘Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool so you know what to do if you end up in difficulty in the water.’

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.

The RNLI recommends checking online to Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach. This year, the RNLI’s lifeguard service is celebrating 25 years of keeping beaches safer.

To stay safe over the long weekend, the RNLI is encouraging people to:

• Check the weather and tide times before setting off for the coast.
• Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
• If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw.

Earlier this week, the charity launched its Float to Live campaign, revealing new research that shows Gen Z significantly underestimate risk at the coast. In 2024, there were 193 accidental drowning fatalities in the UK and 84% were male. Males aged 20 to 29 were the highest group for accidental drowning fatalities[1].

For more information visit RNLI.org/Float.

Float to Live video demo and images are available to download here.

RNLI launched its Float to Live campaign at The Wave, Bristol on 19 May news release Video and imagery here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/DCA3BD8B-571C-4976-9BB44A62CD3F1443/

• Please get in touch if you would like to arrange an interview with an RNLI water safety spokesperson.

[1] waid2024-fatalities_report_for-web-draft-final.xlsx

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Chloe Freeman at [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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.