Respect the Water is the RNLI’s drowning prevention campaign.

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Respect the Water

 

It’s coming into Summer & rivers, reservoirs, canals and lakes all have hidden dangers such as how deep or how cold they are – and the strongest of swimmers can still get into difficulty. Even swimming pools can be dangerous too if people are in the water unsupervised without a lifeguard.

Respect the Water is the RNLI’s drowning prevention campaign, highlighting the risks of cold water shock.

When you fall into water below 15°C, you instinctively gasp for air, increasing your chance of inhaling water.

Instead, relax and float for around 90 seconds to minimise this risk.

5 steps to float

1. Fight your instinct to thrash around

2. Lean back, extend your arms and legs

3. If you need to, gently move your arms and legs to help you float

4. Float until you can control your breathing

5. Only then, call for help or swim to safety

Share #FloatToLive on your social media – it may help to save a life and find out more about it by clicking on the RNLI link below 


How the RNLI’s Respect the Water is relevant to you.

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