Girl who was swept out to sea supports Float to Live campaign

Billie, from Christchurch, is now helping to launch the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign after she got into trouble during an incident last October on Avon Beach.

Billie was able to recall the lifesaving advice from her swimming lessons and bought herself valuable time until she could be rescued.

She is now using her experience to help others stay safe and recently visited the RNLI’s support centre in Poole as part of the campaign launch.

During her visit, Billie said: ‘When I was in the water, I was feeling really scared, I was worried we would drift out really far and no one would see us.

‘But then I remembered what my swimming teacher told me—float to live.

‘I floated on my back with my ears underwater and my arms and legs out, it was a lot easier to stay afloat.

‘I would say to anyone now to remember that advice, it might just save your life one day.’

New research released today by the RNLI reveals that, while 85% of people in the UK plan to visit the coast this summer, a worrying 76% would not think to try and float as their first action if they find themselves struggling in water.

For the South East (including Greater London) these figures are even higher with 88% of people planning to visit the coast and 78% who would not think to try and float as their first action.*

Billie, who lives with learning difficulties and relies on her trainee support dog Frankie, was swept into deeper water while paddling with a friend.

Off-duty RNLI volunteer helm Andy Read was nearby and witnessed the unfolding emergency. He swam out, with a second person, and brought both children back to safety.

Andy, who volunteers with Mudeford RNLI, said: ‘Billie’s actions were extraordinary. She remembered the Float to Live advice at the most critical moment.

‘Staying calm, floating on her back, and calling for help gave us the precious time we needed to reach her.

‘That technique saved her life—it’s as simple as that – and it reminds us all why this campaign is so important.’

Kate, Billie’s mum, said: ‘We’re incredibly proud of Billie, and so thankful to Andy and the RNLI.

‘Visiting the RNLI College in Poole and seeing the incredible work they do really brought it home.

‘We want every family to talk about Float to Live—it could be the most important thing they ever learn.’

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said: ‘Billie’s story is a powerful reminder that this advice works. Whether you're planning to swim or not, it’s vital to know what to do if you find yourself struggling in the water.’

RNLI’s Float to Live advice:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Use your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Once over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety

· Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

· 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.

Notes to editors

*Research - RNLI Water Safety Campaign Research May 2025. Conducted by Basis Research on behalf of the RNLI. Representative sample of all UK adults (18+) 1,005 responses.

*’South East’ is based on Uk Government demographic regions so combines the very broad regions of ‘South East’ and ‘Greater London’ and these are self-selected in the survey ‘Which of the following regions do you live in’.

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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