RNLI launches 'Float to Live' campaign
It's as around a third of people still don't know what to do if they get into trouble in the water
Last updated 24th May 2023
The RNLI has launched a vital water safety campaign to help people if they get into trouble in the water.
The campaign comes ahead of the bank holiday and half term week where more people are expected to flock to beaches.
According to stats released by the RNLI, 32% of people still don't know what to do if they unexpectedly get into the water, so experts at the charity want us all to remember one phrase: "Float to Live".
New research carried out by the RNLI and the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory tested people in different open water environments and found that tilting your head back to submerge the ears is key to surviving if you get into trouble in the water.
Using the Float to Live technique helped save Tina West’s life as she holidayed with her husband on the Cornish coast last summer.
Tina had been paddling near Godrevy beach when she was suddenly swept out of her depth. Tina, who works for Portsmouth City Council, quickly recalled the big screen film she had seen in Portsmouth showing the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign.
She said: "My feet were on the ground and the next minute they weren’t. I was just getting pushed further and further out. At that point I realised I’m just not going to be able to get back in.
"I started waving my arms and shouting for help to see if anybody could see me. I was getting quite tired, but I remembered seeing the RNLI’s Float to Live safety advice at work, so I was able to float on my back to stay calm."
At this point Tina’s husband was able to raise the alarm and to make sure help was on its way.
Tina added: "Once I knew lifeguards were on their way, I thought as long as I keep calm, I’ll be alright.
"The advice of Float to Live was an absolute lifesaver. I was having a conversation with myself, and it just allowed me that opportunity to think. I remember thinking I can do this as long as I need to, until someone comes to get me.
"Once I saw the RNLI lifeguard, I said I am so pleased to see you. Because I had managed to float, I had enough energy and could climb up onto the jet ski to safety."
RNLI lifeguard Tarryn Brown was on duty on Godrevy beach that day and helped to pull Tina to safety. She said: "I’m so glad Tina has recovered from her ordeal, and that we were able to help her.
"I can remember being alerted to someone far out in the water, it took us a few minutes to see her – she was really far out. When we got there Tina was just floating on her back. She wasn’t fighting the current, which conserved her energy and potentially saved her life."
In waters across the UK, there were 226 deaths from 'accidental drownings', according to stats shared by the RNLI, including locations on the coast and inland.
Of those, 40% had 'no intention' of going into the water.
That means around 100 of those who were walking, cut off or swept into the water died without any intention of being near the water.
The RNLI and EEL research shows that floating is different for everyone, where some people naturally float with little movement, others require gentle use of their hands and legs to stay afloat.
If you find yourself in difficulty:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Joel Ninnes, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support in the south west, said: "As we approach warmer weather and enter into the bank holiday and half term week ahead, we are expecting the coast to be incredibly busy.
"We want to make sure that if an emergency unfolds, people know what to do.
‘"If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help to swim to safety if you can.
"Tina’s story really drives home the importance of our Float to Live message; we are so glad she is recovered now and is supporting our lifesaving campaign.
"I’d really encourage anyone reading this to help spread the word to any family and friends – and next time you are in a safe environment practice floating for yourself - why not try it between the red and yellow flags when visiting an RNLI lifeguarded beach."
If you spot someone else in trouble in the water call 999 – if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the Coastguard, or if inland ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
You can watch some of the RNLI's 'Float to Live' videos here.