Sarah's Health Notes: The life-saving benefits of floating

It’s nearly August and those of us who live near the coast know the hordes that will descend on the shore for fun in the sea and surf. Problem is, sometimes it isn’t fun at all. A recent study reveals that 32% of Brits don’t know what to do when the going gets choppy and the tide rips. That’s where a new collaboration between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and cleaning expert Kärcher comes in.

With increasing demand over the summer, RNLI’s beach lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews are stretched. So, together with Kärcher, they’re launching a Float to Live campaign. This lifesaving technique encourages people experiencing cold water shock to relax and control their breathing, while floating to help initial cold water shock symptoms pass.

A #IRL Float Spa took place at Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, which held 10-minute sessions in the water, with trained RNLI experts demonstrating the lifesaving stepls to float. Hopefully, there will be more of these in coastal areas but meanwhile here are key  ‘Float to Live’ steps:

  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged 

  • Relax and try to breathe normally

  • Move your hands to help you stay afloat 

  • It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently 

  • Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

But please, be careful. It’s like people who get on a horse when they can’t ride. If you can’t swim, wear a life belt in the sea and in a boat. Always check the tides. If in doubt, stay by the edge and paddle!

Wellbeing, Health, FeatureSarah Staceyfloating, RNLI