Littlehampton RNLI supports Float to Live campaign; it could save your life

Beach leisure time is increasing in the UK, but 10% of people [1] said the potential dangers associated with the water are something they don't think about often and 36% of people [2] don’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.

The RNLI is reminding everyone to remember Float to Live if they find themselves in trouble in water: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

In July 2021 the volunteer crews at Littlehampton Lifeboat Station undertook a night-time search for a missing person in the water off the coast of Goring. The casualty was located lying on their back in the water and shouting for help. It was estimated that they had been in the water for several hours, but subsequently made a full recovery. More details on this successful shout can be read about at:

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2021/july/05/float-to-live-rnli-advice-saves-goring-man

Vicki Linton-Crook, RNLI Water Safety Officer, said:

‘It is important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks of the environment. We want to make sure people know what to do in an emergency. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged, try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can. If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

Visit Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI for more information.

[1] based on the UK population mid-2022 - 67,596,281 people (https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/mid2022

[2] Basis Research RNLI water safety Pre campaign survey 2024

ENDS

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

RNLI online

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

Notes to Editors

RNLI media contacts

Anthony Fogg, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]

Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager – SE & London, RNLI 07724 801305 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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.