11-year-old boy saves child from drowning while on holiday in Cornwall
Finley Hassall remembered the 'Float to Live' technique from a magazine
Last updated 29th Jul 2022
The RNLI has praised an 11-year-old schoolboy, who saved the life of another child while on holiday in Cornwall.
Finley Hassall has been recognised by the charity after he swam over to help a youngster in difficulty in the sea at Hayle.
Taking heed of vital lifesaving advice and the 'Float to Live' technique, which he read about in the RNLI’s magazine for young supporters, Finley knew exactly what to do back in June.
Earlier this month, RNLI lifeguard Guy Potter, who was on duty at Hayle beach and assisted in the rescue, made the 250-mile journey from Cornwall to Finley's school in Stourbridge, to congratulate him on his amazing efforts in front of fellow students.
Guy presented him with a certificate and gave a beach safety presentation during the school assembly, to ensure students had the same lifesaving knowledge in case they are planning to visit the coast during the summer holidays.
Finley said: "I looked around and saw waves going over this boy's head and he was splashing and struggling. He was clearly panicking. I'd read in my RNLI Storm Force magazine about how to float like a starfish so that’s what I asked him to do.
"I said I’d done this at my swimming lessons before and it will be fine if he could float on his back. He went onto his back and I was talking to him and trying to get him to take deep breaths to calm him down.
"An RNLI lifeguard soon arrived to check we were both ok and helped find the family of the boy before heading off to help two other people".
Guy, who patrols the beaches in Cornwall alongside a career in the film industry, says: "As the incident unfolded Finley was about 20 feet away with his Dad. Using the technique and safety messaging that he'd previously learnt, Finley was able to cut through the panic and thrashing around and encouraged the young boy to stay calm, to float on his back like a starfish and aim towards a ball that was in the shallow water.
"Finley did a fantastic job, keeping a clear and calm head in what was quite a terrifying situation. It was great to see Finley's confidence growing as he put together what he'd recalled from the safety messaging and put it into a real-life situation and really make a difference – I can see a future lifeguard in him that's for sure".
RNLI beach lifeguards are expecting to be extremely busy again during the summer break.
The charity and HM Coastguard are reminding families to take care when visiting the coast as new figures reveal that during the school summer holidays last year, of the 41 lives saved 39% were children under 13.
In the south west, RNLI lifeguards aided 6,480 people, of which 42% were children, and six of the seven lives saved were children.
Steve Instance, from the RNLI Water Safety team, said: "With an estimated 35M people planning to visit the UK coast this summer**, 11m of these are predicted to be in the south west region.
"Our lifeguards will be extremely busy during the school summer holidays with younger children needing assistance more than any other age group.
"To stay safe, we’re reminding families to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the safest area as it is constantly monitored by our highly-trained lifeguards.
"A simple skill we ask everyone of any age to remember is how to Float to Live if they find themselves in difficulty in the water. Lean back like a starfish, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives".
Throughout the summer months, the children’s RNLI Seaside Safety advert will be broadcast on TV channels, with the catchy song reminding those visiting the coast to float like a starfish if they find themselves in difficulty in the water.
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard said: "We’re urging anyone visiting the coast and taking part in coastal activities to be aware of the dangers so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer.
"Always check the weather conditions and tide times before heading to the coast as it’s very easy to find yourself quickly cut off by the tide or blown offshore. Whatever activity you choose to do, whether it’s swimming, paddleboarding, walking or anything else near the water, look out for your friends and family to help keep each other safe.
"Please enjoy the UK’s wonderful beaches and coastline but respect their dangers and remember, in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard".
What is the key safety advice for children?
The RNLI’s key water safety advice for 7-14 year-olds is:
• Stop and think – Always swim in a safe place.
• Stay together – Always swim with an adult. Younger children and non-swimmers should always be within arm’s reach.
• Float – If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back like a starfish.
• Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard.
You can read more sea and beach safety advice, including the vital 'Float to Live' message, on the RNLI's website.