'Ignore your instinct' - RNLI launch North East 'Float to Live' campaign ahead of summer months
The RNLI’s North East setup has unveiled its ‘Float to Live’ campaign ahead of the summer months.
RNLI teams across the North East are launching the group’s ‘Float to Live’ campaign this week to keep residents safe.
Despite the warmer weather, sea water can still cause cold-water shock.
Experts urge anyone who is struggling in the water to follow a series of simple movements.
Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead from the RNLI, said: “Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.
“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently.
“By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”