The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people heading to the coast during this warm weather to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim in the designated area as the warm weather continues.
With so many people already tragically losing their lives to drowning this summer, the lifesaving organisation is also appealing to people to share its Float to Live advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teens.
While the air temperature is very warm, water temperatures are still cold, with cold water shock remaining a risk, together with the debilitating affect cold water can have on people’s ability to swim.
Peter Dawes, General Manager – Lifeguard Operations, said: ‘During the warm weather, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags – this designated area is actively monitored by lifeguards and is the safest place to swim.
‘If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live: Tilt your head back with your ears submerged; relax and try to breathe normally; move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat; it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
‘If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.
‘By remembering this advice and sharing it widely, we can all play a role in helping to save more lives from drowning.’
The RNLI recommends checking online to Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember Phone, Float Throw:
- Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
- Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
- Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.
To stay safe during this spell of hot weather, the RNLI is encouraging people to:
- Check the weather and tide times before setting off for the coast.
- Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags.
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
- If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw.
Photo Credit: RNLI
