RNLI launches ‘Float to Live’ campaign to save lives in water emergencies

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its annual Float to Live campaign, urging the public to adopt a simple yet potentially lifesaving technique if they find themselves struggling in water.

With three lifeboat stations in County Antrim—Portrush, Red Bay, and Larne—and seasonal lifeguard services along the Causeway Coast, the RNLI is reinforcing its message to help prevent drownings across the UK.

The core advice of the campaign is straightforward: if you find yourself struggling in water, Float to Live.

This technique, which involves floating on your back to regain control of breathing, could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. The RNLI is encouraging everyone to learn, practise, and share this vital skill, particularly as more people head to the coast during warmer months.

A Real-Life Rescue Demonstrates the Power of Floating

The effectiveness of the Float to Live technique was vividly demonstrated last year when the Portrush RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew rescued an angler in distress off the coast of Portstewart.

Carl Kennedy, a Water Safety Officer and Launch Authority at Portrush RNLI, recounted the incident:

“It was a Friday afternoon when the pagers went off and the inshore lifeboat was requested to go the aid of a person in the water. The fisherman was pulled into the sea by a heavy surge as they fished off rocks at the Herring Pond. When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene, they observed the casualty in the classic float to live posture.”

The crew reached the angler just 17 minutes after being alerted, finding them in a “full starfish shape and floating comfortably” despite choppy seas and swell near rocky shores.

“The crew were struck by what they said was like an advert for Float to Live,” Kennedy added. “The crew felt this person knew their best chance was to relax, recompose, float to live and await rescue. It was wonderful for the crew to see the RNLI’s lifesaving advice in action.”

The angler was safely brought aboard the lifeboat and handed over to ambulance services at Portstewart Harbour.

Why Floating Can Save Lives

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, explained why the Float to Live technique is so critical:

“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: 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. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”

Byrne highlighted the dangers of cold water shock, which can affect anyone entering UK waters, even in summer.

“The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users,” she said.

“Many people who end up in danger every year never planned to enter the water, so this advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water.”

The RNLI notes that while its lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives annually, many still lose their lives in water-related incidents. The charity hopes that by spreading awareness of the Float to Live technique, more tragedies can be prevented.

How to Float to Live

The RNLI provides clear guidance for anyone caught in a water emergency:

•  Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged.

•  Relax and try to breathe normally.

•  Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat.

•  It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently.

•  Practise floating in a local pool if possible.

For those witnessing someone struggling in water, the RNLI advises:

•  Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

•  Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

•  Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.

Practising and Sharing the Message

The RNLI encourages everyone to practise the Float to Live technique in a safe environment, such as a swimming pool, to build confidence in the method. By sharing this advice with friends and family, the public can help ensure more people are prepared for unexpected water emergencies.

Byrne emphasised the broader impact of the campaign: “RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives each year but, sadly, there are still around many people who accidentally lose their lives in waters each year. We’re urging people to remember, practise and share the float technique to help save more lives.”

As the summer season approaches, the RNLI’s message is clear: whether you’re an experienced swimmer or simply enjoying a coastal walk, knowing how to Float to Live could be the key to survival. For more information on the campaign and water safety advice, visit the RNLI’s official website.