RNLI urges public to follow key water safety advice as warm weather continues

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those heading to the coast while the warm weather continues into half term to follow vital safety advice and choose a lifeguarded beach.

With temperatures exceeding 30C in many parts of the UK, the RNLI is reminding people to choose a lifeguarded beach and if they get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live.

While the air temperature is warm, the seas are still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk. With many school children enjoying half term, the lifesaving charity is urging everyone to stay safe.

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.

Nick Ayers, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy our coast but to do so safely. With temperatures remaining high, we still expect a large number of people to visit the beach and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice.

‘Most people when struggling in the water will begin to panic and 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. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.

‘If you’re heading to the coast this week, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, this is the safest place to enjoy the water.’

The RNLI recommends checking online to Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach.

This year, the RNLI’s lifeguard service is celebrating 25 years of keeping beaches safer.

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.