RNLI urges coast visitors to remember Float to Live advice

Your instinct could be the thing that kills you. That is the warning behind a new RNLI campaign launched this week, which tells anyone who gets into trouble in the water to fight every urge their body is screaming at them to follow.

The charity launched its Float to Live campaign on Tuesday 19th May, reminding people of the simple technique that could save their life. The timing is no accident. New research suggests an estimated 48.97M people will head to the coast at least once over the summer.

Cold water is still the danger

While the weather warms up, the sea has not caught up. The RNLI is urging people to remember the technique as sea temperatures remain extremely cold at this time of year, which increases the risk of cold water shock.

Bob Taylor, Bridlington RNLI volunteer Water Safety Officer, said most people get it wrong the moment things go bad. “Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.”

The advice is to do the opposite.

How to Float to Live

Bob explained the steps. “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 charity’s full advice for anyone struggling in the water is:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Practise floating in a local pool if you can

The numbers behind the message

The campaign is backed by some sobering figures. In 2024, there were 193 accidental drowning fatalities, and 84% of those were male. Males aged 20 to 29 were the highest group for accidental drowning fatalities.

Award winning adventurer and TV personality Jordan Wylie MBE is supporting the campaign. Jordan said: “If you remember one thing this summer when heading to the coast or open water, make sure it’s the RNLI’s Float to Live advice. This simple technique really could save your life if you get into trouble in the water.”

If you see someone else in trouble

The RNLI also has advice for anyone who spots a person struggling in the water:

• Phone 999 to get help
• Tell them to stay calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

For more information visit the RNLI’s Float to Live page.