The RNLI has marked National Water Safety Awareness Week in Ireland with the launch of its FLOAT to Live campaign at Sandycove in Dublin this week.
The event featured an in-person demonstration on how to carry out the Float to Live technique, which the charity advises could prove lifesaving for anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in the water.
The RNLI’s water safety team with volunteer lifeboat crew from Dun Laoghaire RNLI were on hand to explain the FLOAT To Live technique and the importance of having proper water safety advice and equipment when visiting the coast and inland waters during the summer.
Figures from Water Safety Ireland show an average of 10 drownings every month over five years, with males accounting for 70% of these tragedies. Additionally, 57% of accidental drownings involved people who were engaged in activities where they did not expect to enter the water. The RNLI is asking people to understand the FLOAT to Live message, remember it and share it, as it could save a life.
To FLOAT to Live: If you find yourself in difficulty in the water:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘We are approaching the summer holidays which we expect to be incredibly busy at the coast and on inland waters. We want everyone to enjoy being around the water, but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do if they unexpectedly enter the water and become overwhelmed.’
‘It is important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks which can be present. If you get into trouble in the water, FLOAT to Live: 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 to or swim to safety if you can.’
