Words by Abi Scaife
The RNLI has launched a lifesaving ‘Float To Live’ campaign.
Tell me more!
According to research, one third of people in the UK don’t know what to do what to do if they get into difficulty in the water. That’s why, as the weather warms up and people flock to beaches and lakes, experts at the charity are urging everyone to remember that if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
What does that mean?
New research carried out by the RNLI and the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL) research has shown that tilting your head back to submerge the ears is key.
We all float best in slightly different positions so your legs may naturally sink and you may need to use your hands to scull.
The advice continues: relax and try to breathe normally, then once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you feel able.
If you spot someone else in trouble in the water call 999 – if you are at sea or on the beach ask for the coastguard, or if inland ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
For more information on the RNLI and their lifesaving advice, head to the RNLI website.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The RNLI. The RNLI is a charity saving lives at sea through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education and flood rescue. Find out more here.
RLSS UK. A charity that builds community resilience, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely. Learn more here.
The Lifesaving Charity. The Lifesaving Foundation is a registered Irish Charity. Their world wide research saves people from drowning. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
