The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued urgent water safety advice after two men died at Seaton Carew beach over the weekend. John Reece, a water safety specialist with the Redcar RNLI Water Safety Team, stressed the importance of the 'float to live' technique and awareness of rip currents.
Float to Live: Key Steps
The RNLI's official 'float to live' guidance includes: tilting your head back with ears submerged, relaxing and breathing normally, moving hands and legs to stay afloat, and once breathing is controlled, calling for help or swimming to safety. Reece emphasized that people should practice floating regularly, as body composition changes with age, affecting buoyancy.
Rip Current Awareness
Reece explained that rip currents are narrow channels of fast-moving water, often appearing as clear water between rough areas. He advised that if caught in a rip current, one should float on their back, relax, and swim towards the rough water where waves can push them to shore. He warned that even Olympic swimmers cannot swim directly against a rip current.
Safety Precautions for Beachgoers
Reece urged people to walk into the water slowly, up to their belly button, and swim parallel to the shore. He noted that many people make the mistake of running into the water, which can lead to cold water shock. The Redcar RNLI team has been conducting daily school visits, reaching nearly 10,000 people last year, to educate about sea safety.
The Tragic Incident
Wayne Taylor and Ian Pascoe died after entering the sea to assist Taylor's two children who were struggling. Rescuer Craig Wiltshire described being battered by 12ft waves and powerful currents. A petition for more lifeguards at Seaton Carew has garnered over 3,000 signatures. Cleveland Police are investigating the circumstances.
