Learning a basic technique to float could be a life-saving skill to have when near water this summer. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) aims to raise awareness of this crucial message following the tragic drowning of 26 individuals, mostly young, during recent heatwaves. The RNLI’s “Float to Live” approach, which has already rescued more than 50 lives, is backed by scientific evidence.
The method involves lying in the water with ears submerged and gently moving arms and legs to maintain buoyancy. The Mirror recently experienced this technique firsthand at the RNLI’s headquarters in Dorset’s Poole, in their sea survival pool.
Ross Macleod, the RNLI’s water safety manager, emphasized the importance of relaxation in the water, tilting the head back with ears underwater, and controlling breathing during floating. Macleod noted that everyone floats differently, and practicing in a supervised setting is crucial to understand one’s floating capabilities.
Sharing the “Float to Live” message is deemed essential, especially in light of the alarming increase in drownings. Parents are urged to discuss water safety with young individuals to equip them with life-saving knowledge. The current heatwave in the UK, with temperatures expected to reach 30°C in some areas, further highlights the urgency of promoting water safety measures.
Reporter Saskia Rowlands shared her eye-opening experience of discovering the importance of the Float to Live technique, dispelling misconceptions that it’s only for non-swimmers. Open water’s unpredictable nature can pose risks even to experienced swimmers. Rowlands encouraged everyone to practice the technique, emphasizing its simplicity and life-saving potential.
The Mirror’s “Save Lives for Sam” water safety campaign, initiated to address the rising drowning incidents in the UK, has garnered support from various stakeholders. The campaign calls for immediate action, including mandatory water safety education in schools, enhanced public awareness initiatives, improved safety equipment at high-risk water bodies, the implementation of Sam’s Law, and the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Water Safety.
To support the campaign, actions such as launching a public awareness drive targeting parents and children on social media, ensuring appropriate safety equipment at high-risk water locations, integrating water safety lessons in school curricula, enacting Sam’s Law, and appointing a Water Safety Minister are crucial steps.
For more details on the campaign and ways to contribute, visit the Mirror’s dedicated page.