22/06/2026
With a period of hot weather forecast this week, the RNLI is urging people heading to the coast or inland waterways such as lakes, rivers or canals, to follow essential water safety advice, which could save lives.
The charity is sharing lifesaving advice including what to do if you find yourself in danger in the water; what to do if you see someone else struggling; knowing to be aware of key risks like cold water shock and learning the best ways to stay safe – such as choosing a lifeguarded beach.
The RNLI is appealing to people to remember and share its water safety advice with family and friends, particularly young people and teenagers as the schools prepare to break for summer.
Finn Mullen, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said: ‘We are delighted to see the sun and hot weather return, and we want people to enjoy themselves during it, but we want them to do so safely. Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise.
‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
‘If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.
‘If you are visiting the coast, the safest option is a lifeguarded beach where you should swim between the red and yellow flags. If you can’t choose a lifeguarded beach, find out about your chosen beach before you visit – check weather and tide times and read local safety signage. By remembering this advice and sharing it widely, we can all play a role in helping to save more lives from drowning.’
The RNLI is also urging families to talk about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water with younger family members and friends: ‘We are also encouraging them to share our free downloadable social media videos and posts, which will help us to reach a younger audience with vital lifesaving advice which could save lives in coastal and inland waters.’
RNLI’s water safety advice:
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:
▪ 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.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
▪ Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help
▪ Tell the struggling person to Float to Live
▪ Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.
Free downloadable Float to Live social media assets.
Check online to Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches.
