Float to Live. Stop Fighting. Start Floating.
If you get into difficulty in the water, your instinct may be to panic and fight. Instead, lean back, float and give yourself time to regain control of your breathing.
If somebody else is struggling, call for help rather than entering the water yourself.
What Is Float to Live?
Float to Live is the RNLI's advice for anyone who finds themselves struggling in the water.
Instead of immediately trying to swim or fighting to stay upright, lean back and allow the water to support you. Floating gives you a chance to rest, recover your breathing and decide what to do next.
It is useful whether you unexpectedly fall into water, get caught in a current, become exhausted while swimming or find yourself separated from your surf equipment.
Five Steps Worth Remembering.
Everybody floats differently. The goal is simply to find a position that keeps your airway clear while you regain control.
Tilt Your Head Back
Lean back and allow your ears to become submerged, keeping your mouth and nose clear of the water.
Control Your Breathing
Try to relax and breathe normally. Give yourself time to recover before attempting to swim.
Move Gently
Gently move your hands and legs if you need help staying afloat and stable.
Your Legs May Sink
That's completely normal. Everybody floats differently, so don't waste energy trying to force your legs up.
Find Your Float
Practise floating somewhere supervised, such as a swimming pool, so the technique feels familiar.
Head Back. Ears Under.
Floating does not need to look perfect. Some people float almost horizontally while other people's legs naturally sit lower in the water.
What matters is keeping your airway clear, relaxing and using gentle movements only when you need them.
Give Yourself Time.
Panic, cold water, exhaustion or strong currents can make people instinctively thrash or immediately try to swim hard.
Floating gives you time to settle your breathing before making your next move.
Fighting the water burns energy. Floating allows you to rest.
Once the initial panic settles, you can assess where you are and what your safest option is.
Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety if you are able.
The Instinct to Swim Can Work Against You.
Unexpected immersion in cold water can trigger gasping and rapid breathing. The initial effects normally pass, so immediately trying to swim hard can make the situation more difficult.
Take a moment, float and focus on getting your breathing back under control.
Phone. Float. Throw.
Going into the water yourself can put two people in danger. Get professional help and assist from a safe position whenever possible.
Call 999 or 112
At the coast, ask for the Coastguard and explain where you are and what has happened.
Tell Them to Float
Shout clearly and encourage the person to lean back, relax and Float to Live.
Throw Something Buoyant
If possible, throw them something that floats to help them stay above the water until help arrives.
When the Session Doesn't Go to Plan.
Surfers have flotation with them most of the time, but equipment failure, exhaustion and currents can still leave you unexpectedly in difficulty.
Keep Your Flotation
If your board is still with you, stay with it where possible. It provides valuable flotation.
Stop Fighting
If you are exhausted or struggling against moving water, conserve energy and assess what is happening.
Control Your Breathing
Unexpected immersion can make breathing difficult to control. Floating gives the initial reaction time to settle.
Make Yourself Seen
If you need help, raise an arm and shout so other surfers, lifeguards or people ashore can see you.
One Skill. Every Beach.
From the exposed surf at Llangennith to the bays around Caswell and Langland, conditions around Gower can change quickly. Float to Live is not tied to one beach, activity or level of experience.
See Float to Live in Action.
Seeing the body position makes the technique easier to understand and remember.
Practise Your Float.
Try the technique somewhere supervised, such as a swimming pool. Knowing how your own body naturally floats can make the movement more familiar if you ever need it for real.
FLOAT TO LIVE.
Tilt your head back. Relax. Control your breathing. Move gently if you need to. Don't worry if your legs sink. Once you're ready, call for help or swim to safety.