Lifesaving train delivers safety advice during final week of school holidays

A new ‘Float to Live’ message has transformed the side of an Mk4 carriage which can be seen on the tracks from Holyhead to Cardiff.

The RNLI has experienced one of its busiest ever period with Covid restrictions easing and people choosing to more people then ever choosing to ‘staycation’. Visitors to Wales have been delighted to catching a glimpse of the charity’s ‘Float to Live’ advice as the new premier class trains travels from north to south Wales.

With many people expected to make the most of the final bank holiday week before schools return, the RNLI hopes people see the lifesaving advice and remember should they fall into cold water to resist the urge to panic and to gently float on their back until help arrives.

The RNLI won the opportunity to showcase its safety campaign through a public vote on Twitter, during which the charity received nearly half of the 3,625 votes cast.

Aberdovey RNLI volunteer and full-time TfW train driver Arwel Jones is thrilled that the RNLI’s messages is being shared on this innovative new platform. He says:

‘Having the opportunity to share simple lifesaving messages like ‘Float to Live’ every day to those using public transport could make a big difference– it’s an easy message that could save a passengers’ life if they find themselves in trouble in the water. It’s been an exceptionally busy period for volunteers across Wales and with the good weather predicted this week, we are hoping people will take heed of this advice which really help to save someone’s life.’

Arwel has a very personal reason for wanting to share the ‘Float To Live’ message, having put the advice into practice in a real rescue scenario. He adds:

‘Last summer I, along with a group of friends who were windsurfing on the beach, rescued children in the estuary off Aberdyfi when they got caught in a rip current. Thanks to my RNLI training, I instantly shouted for them to lie on their backs and float until help arrived. This small move would buy them time until my friends and I could reach them. I hope this message and vital advice will now be shared far and wide as it really could help saves lives.’

The lifesaving charity and HM Coastguard have launching the beach campaign urging people to choose lifeguarded beaches when they visit the coast.

The key summer safety advice is:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach & swim between the red and yellow flags

· If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about

· Call 999 or 112 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard

Nick Evans, Fundraising and Partnership Manager is thrilled that one of the campaign’s key message has been exposed to a new audience. He says:

‘With its stunning scenery and spectacular beaches, people have been flocking to the Welsh coastline this summer, with many arriving by rail.

‘Having this exciting new platform to share our messages is fantastic and we’re so grateful to all those who voted and to Transport for Wales for giving us this opportunity.’

Not everyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water, expected to even get wet. RNLI statistics for Wales show people enjoying a walk and getting cut off by the tide caused almost 10% of all RNLI lifeboat launches over the last decade - more than double the UK average. Lifeguards rescue hundreds more stranded people every year.

To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

For beach safety advice visit: RNLI.org/BeachUK2021 and to help save lives, please donate via goDonate/RNLI

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Media Manager in Wales on 07786 668829 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.