The RNLI's 'Float to Live' technique is a simple, scientifically proven method that has already saved over 50 lives. The charity urges everyone to learn it after 26 people, mostly youngsters, drowned during two recent heatwaves in the UK.
How to Perform the Float to Live Technique
The method involves lying back in the water with your ears submerged and gently moving your arms and legs to stay afloat. The Mirror visited the RNLI's headquarters in Poole, Dorset, to try it out in their sea survival pool with the help of expert lifeguard Maisie Rafferty.
RNLI water safety manager Ross Macleod explained: "The key thing for floating is learning to relax in the water, tilt your head back with your ears submerged, and control your breathing. Don't worry if your legs sink, as we all float differently. Practice in a supervised location to learn what floating looks and feels for you."
Importance of the Technique Amid Heatwave
Another heatwave is expected in the UK, with temperatures set to hit 30°C in some places. Last month was the warmest June on record for England, and the second warmest for the UK overall, according to provisional Met Office data. Macleod stressed: "Sharing this Float to Live message is vital, particularly at this time of year after seeing an unprecedented number of drownings. It's vital that parents have a conversation about water safety with the young people in their lives."
Reporter's First-Hand Experience
Reporter Saskia Rowlands, who grew up by the sea, admitted she initially thought the technique was only for non-swimmers. After visiting the charity's sea survival pool, she changed her mind: "I learned that open water is terrifyingly unpredictable - and often claims the lives of fit people. Practicing the technique myself was eye opening. I urge everyone to try it for themselves - it takes seconds to learn, but could save your life."
The Mirror's Save Lives for Sam Campaign
The Mirror's water safety campaign, 'Save Lives for Sam', was launched in memory of Sam Haycock, 16, who drowned in a reservoir in May 2021. The campaign calls for urgent action, including compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of 'Sam's Law' to make safety equipment mandatory and its damage an aggravated offence, and the appointment of a Minister for Water Safety, as already done in Wales and Scotland.
The campaign also urges the government to launch a public awareness campaign targeting parents and children on TikTok and other social media, and water companies to install proper safety equipment at high-risk water bodies.
