Float to Live safety message to reach millions more people this summer

From Tuesday 21 July and running into August, our Float to Live safety messaging will appear on electronic screens at more than 300 bp petrol stations across England, Scotland and Wales. 

The RNLI estimates almost 50 million people will visit the UK coast at least once this summer, while National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) data shows 202 people tragically lost their lives to accidental drowning last year.  

Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the RNLI, said: ‘This new partnership with bp will help spread our Float to Live advice even further this summer, when we know people will be heading to the coast.  

‘Many accidental drownings tragically take place in August when beaches and inland waterways are at their busiest. We are extremely grateful this new partnership will allow us to reach millions of people across bp’s retail network at a critical time for water safety.  

‘This summer has already seen some tragic drowning incidents and the RNLI remains committed to sharing the Float to Live message far and wide.’  

Launched in 2017, Float to Live has become one of the UK and Ireland’s most recognised drowning prevention initiatives, designed to help people survive the initial shock and panic that can occur when they unexpectedly enter cold or deep water. 

Since the campaign’s roll out, more than 50 people have reported the advice helped save their lives after they got into difficulty in the water.  

Alongside helping us bring Float to Live advice to more people this summer, bp will continue to support elements of the RNLI's operational innovation and sustainability commitments. 

This includes providing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, a renewable diesel alternative, for the RNLI's fuel storage depot in Poole, as well as EV charging cards for our electric vehicle fleet and support for research into alternative fuels.

You can help save a life 

You have a vital role to play in sharing this simple, lifesaving advice: 

• Talk about Float to Live with your friends, family and communities 
• Engage with and share the RNLI's social media content  
• Encourage friends and family to practise Float to Live in a supervised location
• Use our Float to Live toolkit for more ideas and content to share 
• Catch-up on the Float to Live webinar to learn more about the campaign and how it is saving lives.  

For more information about Float to Live, visit RNLI.org/Float