The RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ CampaignThe RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ Campaign The RNLI has launched its “float to live” campaign to raise awareness about staying safe in water emergencies. Statistics and Prevention In 2022, over 200 people drowned in the UK, with nearly half of them unintentionally entering the water. The RNLI provides simple steps to help prevent these tragedies. Top Tips for Staying Safe * Plan ahead: Choose areas with lifeguards, be aware of exits, and understand tides and currents. * Proper equipment: Wear a wetsuit for warmth and buoyancy, a brightly colored swim hat for visibility, and a life jacket if possible. Carry a waterproof mobile phone. * Float to live: Avoid fighting rip currents. If caught, float on your back until out of the current. * Emergency response: Call 999 and ask for the coast guard immediately.
The RNLI has launched its ‘float to live’ campaign – to make more people aware of what to do if they get into trouble.
More than 200 people drowned in the UK in 2022, almost half of whom did not intend to enter the water.
Now these are the few, simple steps that can help save lives in the water in emergency situations.
Here are their top tips:
Plan ahead
If you’re looking for a safe place to swim, try to choose a spot where there is a lifeguard on duty and don’t go alone.
If that’s not possible, make sure you know where to enter and exit the water and that you are aware of any hazards in your location.
Discover what the tides and currents do and learn how to recognize currents: a strong current of water moving away from the coast.
Make sure you have the right equipment
Wear a wetsuit to keep you warm and increase your buoyancy – allowing you to stay in the water longer.
Also wear a brightly colored swim hat and bring a life jacket, ideally one you can strap yourself into.
A mobile phone in a waterproof case can also prove extremely valuable in a crisis.
Float to live
Rip currents in open water can be very strong. If you find yourself struggling, avoid the temptation to fight it.
If you have an inflatable boat, try to hold on to it, but if not, relax and float on your back until you are out of the current.
If you can stand, try to wade out of the water, but if you must swim, stay parallel to the shore to avoid drifting further from dry land.
In case of emergency
Always call 999 and ask for the coast guard.
STV News is now on WhatsApp
Receive the latest news from across the country
Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
