![Kitesurfer in Poole Harbour](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/choose_your_activity/kitesurfing/36403-kitesurfer-in-poole-harbour-nathan-williams-16x9.jpg?rev=a0eabdc1ef3c41d189ef7887640b3c05&w=292&h=164&hash=03827C4D780BE291B9CC66E99A850FB6)
![Man struggling to stay afloat in the water](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/man-struggling-in-the-water-rnli-nigel-millard-1500x844-96dpi.jpg?rev=af74006602d74b83a3ac2f329587d647&w=1500&h=844&hash=E2797949F9C3BEB924A498EC73B1EB4F)
Safety
Heading to the coast or out on the water is a great way to have fun and stay active. But, if you're not careful, it's a lot easier to get into trouble in the water than you might think. Conditions can change quickly and if you're not prepared, you can easily get caught out.
We've collected together all of our advice in one place, so you can find the information you need to make the most out of your time at the coast. Whether you're going to the beach, exploring the coast, or venturing out onto the water, we have the sea safety advice to help you stay safe.
![A man wearing a loose shirt, tshirt, trousers and shoes floating on his back, in the sea, with arms and legs](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/float/float_temporary_header_1500x844.png?rev=86314a6e10d1476380ae01f0c84409fe&w=1500&h=844&hash=31A1CF7BB75B84389CEFA4209E0EB233)
Float to Live
Choose your activity
Thinking of going kayaking? Angling? Surfing? Or even just heading to the coast for a walk? Learn how to have fun and stay safe in the water and at the beach. Our sea safety experts have created activity guides covering a wide range of watersports and hobbies, so you can prepare yourself properly for the challenges of your chosen activity.
Know the risks
The sea can be a great place to have fun and relax, but it can also be a dangerous place. Being aware of the potential dangers can prevent you from getting into danger before it happens. Read our water safety guides and know how to spot hazards at the coast and in the water so you don’t get caught out.
140 people die by accident at our coasts per year
16,476 people aided by lifeboat crews in 2022
15+ mALES over the age of 15 (INCLUDING OVER 60) are most at risk
23,204 PEOPLE AIDED BY LIFEGUARDS IN 2022
![Float to live - cold water shock](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/respect_the_water/water-safety-resources/cold_water_shock_16x9.png?rev=62db156cb58441fead2ad0a93f4a6d69&w=1920&h=1080&hash=7327E01484B924AF14B7766EBD1BEEF9)
Cold water shock
Beach safety
The UK and Ireland are home to some beautiful beaches, ideal for a day out. But they can also be dangerous if you don’t know what to do in an emergency, especially if there are no RNLI lifeguards around. Read our beach safety tips and find out how to keep you and your loved ones safe at the seaside.
How to stay safe at the coast
![Kitesurfer in Poole Harbour](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/choose_your_activity/kitesurfing/36403-kitesurfer-in-poole-harbour-nathan-williams-16x9.jpg?rev=a0eabdc1ef3c41d189ef7887640b3c05&w=292&h=164&hash=03827C4D780BE291B9CC66E99A850FB6)
![The sea surface from under the water](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/know_the_risks/42429-underwater-shot-of-the-sea-surface-nathan-williams-16x9.jpg?rev=788dd17d5fca48c4965286c6228f7623&w=292&h=164&hash=D4087B6036108CADE658D8D8304618AB)
![A lifeguard talking to a family on the beach](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/beach_safety/lifeguard-family-woolacombe-beach-nigel-millard-16x9.jpg?rev=546b2dcbab8641469dd4917b70a6733f&w=292&h=164&hash=D0FA6DAD939B376BEA16E3ABA88833A8)
![A young man is fully clothed in the open water. His face is above the water, looking up to the sky, and his arms and legs are stretched out, gently moving to help him stay afloat.](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/float/23584763_float_to_live_ss_mathias_1500x844_v2.png?rev=7fef8ad56b52466d9d82da561a8dc83b&w=292&h=164&hash=8CB9E471AEB6E6BAE1481B8022E8C46E)
![Safety advice session on motorboat](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/what_we_can_do_for_you/aob-session-rnli-nathan-williams-16x9-72dpi.jpg?rev=9574f6bc6bf543a5821c912037311390&w=292&h=164&hash=BD8925FF15E93F7833C3E4B7EDBF038A)
![A variety of lifejackets and buoyancy aids piled up on a beach](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/lifejackets/37577-variety-of-lifejackets-piled-on-a-beach-nathan-williams-16x9.jpg?rev=b1a4826469cc4fc29bb4bd5c36262514&w=292&h=164&hash=92962B5524E477110EE5B1DAB86CF77F)
![Beacons or devices? How to call for help](/-/media/rnli/images/magazine/overboard-rnli-nigel-millard_922x519.jpg?rev=8e04e331e272495dbe070883c3c9f483&w=292&h=164&hash=30A6AB1D82B11A72884A3AAD4B700F95)
![A man is floating in water with the word ‘float’ written behind him.](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/float/21373066_watersafety_hero_-_desktop_-_1500_x_844_benji.jpg?rev=6cb4c6776aef42d3a627816d770db0b2&w=292&h=164&hash=5A217F3F519A13546C159DB15E87D115)
![Children taking part in Swim Safe with the RNLI and Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)](/-/media/rnli/images/what-we-do/42317-swim-safe-at-south-shields-adrian-don-16x9.jpg?rev=2bba1d81ca4b4e69b00a21cd87f2b5ca&w=292&h=164&hash=ABF6C264C93664CAC0096C888BD1A7EC)
![A face-to-face team member sharing safety advice and fundraising in Cornwall.](/-/media/rnli/images/safety/f2f-team-member-sharing-safety-advice-nathan-williams-1500-844.jpg?rev=6b71c3734276492d9e102b9543639f9e&w=292&h=164&hash=970A6BA9940E2030A2C07DC5F84664E4)
![Black Swimming Association members learning throw bag training at the RNLI College in Poole](/-/media/rnli/images/pages/bsa_throwbag_training_1500x844.jpg?rev=4a86a52823434dfb8e2ac5449375e3fb&w=292&h=164&hash=2200ACE77896206994CD33ED0A63E9AF)