The RNLI advises to fight your instinct to swim hard or thrash about – this can lead to breathing in water and drowning. 

Instead, relax and float on your back, until you have regained control of your breathing. 

Speaking as the RNLI launched this year’s Respect the Water campaign, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI said, ‘No one should have to lose someone they love to drowning. Many of the tragic deaths at the coast can be avoided if people understand the risks and prepare themselves by practising the Float Technique. 

“We’ve been contacted by people who say they recalled the Float safety message while in serious trouble in the water, and that following the RNLI’s advice helped save their life. But we can’t get complacent, we all have a role in getting behind coastal safety education, investing in initiatives and sharing survival skills to help save lives from drowning.’