This water safety tip could save your life #GetWaterWise
Our reporter braves the waves to learn how Float To Live can buy you precious time if you get caught out in open water
Float to Live: Three words that could save your life.
As part of our #GetWaterWise campaign, our reporter Aaron Renfree's braving the waves to learn a simple way to give you the best chance of surviving if you get caught out in open water.
The technique involves filling your lungs with air, then floating to the surface of the water, instead of trying to scramble back to shore while suffering the effects of cold water shock, or fighting currents.
WATCH: Float to live training
Aaron's training was overseen by Steve Winter from The Royal Life Saving Society
There are five key facts to remember to Float to Live effectively according to the RNLI
- Fight the instinct to thrash around
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- If you need to, gently move them around to help you float
- Float until you can control your breathing
- Only then, call for help or swim to safety
#GetWaterWise Know the facts
More than 250 people die by accidental drowning in the UK each year.
Many of those people had no intention of entering the water, so its important to know what to do if you find yourself struggling in a lake, river, sea, or reservoir.
Cold water shock can grip your body, even on the hottest days. There are also unexpected currents that might take you away from safety, or hidden machinery that might trap you beneath the surface.
More tips to help you stay safe this summer
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.
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