RNLI urges everyone to ‘find your float’ this World Drowning Prevention Day

Over 50 people have told the RNLI that floating helped to save their life, but all bodies are different, and we all float differently. The call to action this year is to Find your Float and discover what floating looks and feels like for you.

The RNLI Water Safety team in Bude is linking up with Bude Surf Lifesaving Club and Bude Sea Pool to a host a public water safety awareness event on Friday (25 July) where people can come along and practice to float, under supervision from volunteer qualified lifeguards from Bude Surf Lifesaving Club. These fun sessions will run throughout the day from 10am to 4pm and booking is not required. There will also be activity and information stands and giveaways.

Emmie Seward-Adams, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support, who’s helping to organise the event, said: ‘Floating is a science-backed, lifesaving technique. Everyone can float, although not everybody floats in the same way. We’d love people to come along to Bude Sea Pool on Friday to give floating a go, and find out what it looks and feels like, in a safe environment. Please do come along at any time throughout the day to learn this lifesaving skill. An hour dedicated to learning this technique could save your life.’

Data released by the National Water Safety Forum has revealed that young people are the most high-risk group for accidental drowning in the UK. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), more than a quarter (26 per cent) of all accidental drowning deaths that occurred in the last five years (2020 to 2024 inclusive) were young people aged 10 to 29.[i]

As the school summer holidays begin, the region is very busy with people making the most of the south west coastline. The RNLI is reminding everyone heading to the coast to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling 88 beaches in the south west this summer.

A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here

Visit Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI for more information.

How to find your 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

· It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

For more information about the Find Your Float campaign and World Drowning Prevention Day, visit respectthewater.com.

Notes to editors

[1] Annual reports and data | National Water Safety Forum

Media are invited to attend Bude Sea Pool to try the float technique. Please contact Emma on the details below to confirm. Alternatively we can arrange pre-record interviews, please get in touch with your requirements.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.