The RNLI has launched its Float to Live campaign, urging coastal visitors to remember a simple lifesaving technique as millions prepare to head to the seaside this summer.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has launched its Float to Live campaign, reminding the public to use a simple but vital technique if they get into difficulty in the water.
New research released by the charity reveals that an estimated 48.97 million people will be heading to the coast at least once over the upcoming summer months.
With such a high volume of visitors expected, the RNLI is urging people to remember the lifesaving technique, particularly as sea temperatures remain extremely cold at this time of year. The charity warns that these low temperatures significantly increase the risk of cold-water shock for anyone who unexpectedly enters the water.
Bob Taylor, a volunteer Water Safety Officer for Bridlington RNLI, explained the importance of the campaign and how people should react in an emergency.
Bob Taylor said:
'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.'
The safety initiative is also being supported by Jordan Wylie MBE, an award-winning adventurer and television personality.
Jordan Wylie 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.'
The RNLI has highlighted stark statistics from 2024, which recorded 193 accidental drowning fatalities. Of these tragic deaths, 84 per cent were male, with males aged between 20 and 29 representing the highest risk group for accidental drowning fatalities.
The charity's official Float to Live advice instructs anyone struggling in the water to tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax, and try to breathe normally. They advise moving hands and feet to help stay afloat, noting that it is completely fine if a person's legs sink, as everyone floats differently. The RNLI also recommends practising floating in a local swimming pool if possible.
Furthermore, the charity has issued clear guidance on what members of the public should do if they witness someone else struggling in the water.
Bystanders are advised to immediately phone 999 to request emergency assistance. They should tell the person in the water to stay calm and float on their back, and attempt to throw rescue equipment to help the individual float until emergency services arrive on the scene.
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