Drownings Can Happen Fast: RNLI Issues Urgent Warning Ahead of Bank Holiday in Cornwall

Lifeguards return to more beaches from Saturday

As the second May bank holiday weekend and Whitsun half term approaches, the RNLI is urging people in Cornwall to visit lifeguarded beaches and learn the lifesaving Float to Live technique.

Henry Saddler-Irvine, Regional Lifeguard Lead, said:
“Our lifeguard teams have had a great start to the 2025 season with the recent settled, warm weather seeing many people head to the coast to make the most of the conditions. Our teams are finishing their latest round of inductions this week before patrols begin at more beaches from this weekend to coincide with the bank holiday weekend and half term.

“If you’re heading to the coast next week please do visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach where our team of highly-trained and skilled lifeguards will be on duty to advise of the conditions and keep you safe within the red and yellow flagged zone.”

📷RNLI lifeguard at Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall. - Credit: Peter Hancock

RNLI advice: Learn to Float to Live

Despite forecasts showing the warm weather may be changing, the RNLI expects many people to visit the coast during the upcoming long weekend and into half term. They’re encouraging beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags and to follow one simple piece of advice: Float to Live.

Emmie Seward-Adams, South West Water Safety Delivery Support, explained:
“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 advice is relevant to everyone heading to the water, whether you’re planning to swim or not, and no matter how experienced you are.

What to do if you or someone else gets into difficulty

The RNLI’s lifesaving advice is clear:

• Float to Live:

  • Tilt your head back, with ears submerged

  • Relax and breathe normally

  • Move hands and feet to stay afloat

  • Legs may sink – that’s fine

  • Practise floating in a swimming pool if possible

• If you see someone else in trouble:

  • Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

  • Encourage them to relax and float on their back

  • Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat

With more beaches in Cornwall set to be patrolled this weekend, the RNLI hopes more people will take heed of the advice and enjoy the coast safely.

Find your nearest Lifeguarded Beach here – https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

📷RNLI lifeguard at Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall. - Credit: Peter Hancock