RNLI issues lifesaving ‘Float to Live’ warning as warm weather draws crowds to NI beaches
- Love Ballymena
- May 25
- 3 min read
The RNLI is urging people across Northern Ireland to remember a simple piece of advice that could save their life this summer as warmer weather and the Bank Holiday weekend are expected to bring large crowds to beaches and inland waterways.
The charity has launched its annual ‘Float to Live’ campaign ahead of the busy summer season, warning that panic can quickly become deadly if someone gets into difficulty in the water.
With thousands expected to head to the coast over the coming days, the RNLI says knowing how to float calmly on your back could buy vital time to recover breathing, stay afloat, and ultimately survive.
RNLI warns instinctive reactions can put lives at risk
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, said many people’s natural instinct when struggling in water is to panic, thrash around, or try to swim hard — reactions that can rapidly lead to exhaustion and drowning.
“We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the coast and our inland waters over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice,” she said.
“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.
“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float.”
The RNLI’s advice is for anyone in trouble in the water to:
• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• Remember it is normal for your legs to sink
• Regain control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety
The charity is also encouraging people to practise floating safely in a local swimming pool before heading into open water.
Lifeguards return to popular North Coast beaches
The RNLI says choosing a lifeguarded beach remains one of the simplest ways for families and swimmers to stay safer this summer.
RNLI lifeguards will patrol a number of popular Northern Ireland beaches daily from 10am to 6pm across the Bank Holiday weekend, including:
• Benone Strand
• Portstewart Strand
• Portrush West Strand
• Portrush East Strand
• Whiterocks
• Ballycastle Beach
• Tyrella Beach in County Down
Linda-Gene Byrne said lifeguards not only respond to emergencies but also provide preventative safety advice to beachgoers throughout the day.
“Our lifeguards are there to keep you and your loved ones safe, in and out of the water, by providing first aid and sharing vital safety advice,” she said.
“Choosing a lifeguarded beach means you will also know to swim between the red and yellow flags which are marked based on where it is safest to swim for the conditions.”
What to do if someone else gets into difficulty
The RNLI is also reminding the public never to put themselves in danger trying to rescue another person struggling in the water.
Instead, the charity advises people to:
• Call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the Coastguard
• Encourage the person to float on their back
• Throw them something that floats if possible
• Avoid entering the water unless trained to do so
The warning comes as emergency services typically see an increase in water-related incidents during spells of warm weather, particularly around beaches, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas popular with families and young people.
The RNLI is encouraging everyone planning trips to the coast this summer to think about water safety before entering the sea and to understand local conditions before swimming or using inflatables.
People can watch the RNLI’s Float to Live demonstration video here:
More information about the campaign is available at:
The charity says a few seconds of calm decision-making in the water can make the difference between life and death.
