RNLI Reiterate Float to Live Message Ahead of Busy Bank Holiday

Monday, 25 August 2025 06:00

By Matthew Pells

The RNLI is reminding beach goers of it's primary lifesaving message as the Yorkshire Coast prepares for a busy Bank Holiday Monday.

RNLI Lifeguards on the Yorkshire Coast are preparing for a busy day on the beaches as the August bank holiday brings more people to the coast.

Nick Ayres is the RNLI's regional water safety manager he says the good weather this year has made for a busy summer season.

"We always see a large amount of people heading to the coast quite naturally over those good weather weekends and the warm spells , and we've definitely had those this summer. I think we've had three heat waves this summer, which is not normal, I guess for the UK.

And we do see a, an increase of activity at the coast, but our lifeguards are highly trained professionals. They're ready to go no matter what the weather is, the conditions are.

And then obviously they're backed up by our volunteer lifeboat crews that are ready 24 7, 365 days a year.

The charity is known for, saving lives at sea. And, we'll answer the call.

The RNLI is encouraging beach-goers on the Yorkshire Coast to remember the float to live message.

Lifeguards will be on the many of the regions major beaches today but regional water safety manager Nick Ayres, says remembering the float to live technique is important for all beach users.

"Float to Live is the best lifesaving message for any activity that you're doing in, on or around the water.

So if you end up in the water unexpectedly, or if you are doing an activity and you do fall into the water take that first two minutes, three minutes floating on your back to regain your capability in the water and regain that kind of awareness of where you are and what your next steps might be. Before starting to swim. Because those three minutes are so vital, and we need to really try and reduce that panic state, reduce the breathing and calm the breathing to then work out your sort of next steps.

Anyone can float. Everyone can float. We encourage everybody to try it. And the best way to do that is by practicing in a swimming pool practicing at a lifeguarded site "

The charity, which runs the lifeguard service on the Yorkshire coast, emphasises the importance of swimming in designated areas and being aware of environmental hazards, particularly offshore winds.

The RNLI advises that the safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags on a lifeguarded beach.

Details of lifeguarded beaches on the Yorkshire Coast can be found at https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches?display=Grid&resultsPerPage=12&lat=54.25183285115216&lon=-0.3464045000000038&radius=40