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Drowning prevention campaign urges anyone in trouble in water to float

A drowning prevention campaign run by the RNLI is urging anyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water to stay calm and float.

The campaign, Respect the Water, is now in its fifth year and the charity is calling on people to practice the ‘float’ survival skill - a simple technique which could mean the difference between life and death.

The charity is also urging people to share the lifesaving knowledge with others.

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The Respect the Water campaign is run by the RNLI
The Respect the Water campaign is run by the RNLI

Last year the charity says seven people who got into trouble in the water claimed floating helped save their lives.

The initiative, which will run throughout the summer, is being backed by firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Ian Thomson, assistant director for community safety at the service, said: “We fully support the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign and it’s fantastic to hear that people have learned valuable survival techniques as a result of the charity’s work.

“Water safety is one of our key priorities at KFRS, and every year our crews carry out an average of 37 water rescues involving one or more people – and that figure doesn’t include call outs to assist with searches for people believed to be missing in water, or body retrievals.

Underwater shot of a woman in the sea, stock picture
Underwater shot of a woman in the sea, stock picture

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your hobby is; anyone can end up in trouble in water.

"If you find yourself by a lake, river, the sea or any other expanse of water, taking just a few moments to look for potential hazards could make the difference between having an enjoyable time, or finding yourself in trouble.”

For those planning to go into the sea, the best way to enjoy it safely is to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags - the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.

If you see someone else in danger in the water at the coast, fight your instinct to go in to try to rescue them yourself. Instead call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

The RNLI is running the campaign throughout the summer
The RNLI is running the campaign throughout the summer

Guy Addington from the RNLI added: "I am very pleased several people said the RNLI’s advice on how to float helped them survive a dangerous situation in the water.

"We are determined that our safety campaigning and education work will contribute to a reduction in coastal deaths.

"Worryingly, deaths of men and boys made up 79% of the fatalities along the south east coast in 2017 highlighting that much more needs to be done to help men keep themselves safe around the coast.

"We know that when people try floating, they find it easier than they think so we’d encourage everyone to give it a go - even if it’s just for a couple of minutes - next time they’re in the water.

That two minutes of practice could help save your life."

The rescue charity says seven people claimed floating helped save their lives last year
The rescue charity says seven people claimed floating helped save their lives last year

Evan Chrisp, 16, says that knowing how to float helped save his life in 2017.

He said: "I was jumping over waves with friends and got swept out to sea.

"I tried to fight the water and swim hard, but I quickly realised that wasn’t working and I was in serious danger.

"I remembered the RNLI’s advice to float on my back and this helped me catch my breath and calm down before then trying to swim to safety.

"Ultimately, I think the RNLI’s advice to float saved my life."

For those planning to go into the sea, the best way to enjoy it safely is to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags - the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards.

And if you see someone else in danger in the water at the coast, fight your instinct to go in to try to rescue them yourself. Instead call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you get into trouble in cold water, the RNLI’s advice is to float on your back for a short time to regain control of your breathing.

The RNLI has created a new video explaining the five steps to floating, to help give people the confidence to be able to float if they find themselves in trouble in cold water.

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