With hot weather continuing across Ireland, more teenagers are heading to beaches, lakes, rivers and quarries to cool off and while swimming can be great fun, entering open water always carries risks, even on warm days. Irish Sailing is supporting the RNLI's important drowning prevention campaign, encouraging all young people to learn and remember what to do if they find themselves struggling in the water.
If you get into difficulty:
• Lie on your back with your ears in the water.
• Relax and try to control your breathing.
• Gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.
• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you are able.
Floating gives your body time to recover from the effects of cold water shock and allows you to think clearly about your next move.
The RNLI has released a powerful short film called Float, aimed specifically at young people. It tells the story of a teenager who gets into difficulty during a solo swim but survives because he remembers the Float to Live advice. It is a simple message that has the potential to save lives.
FLOAT TO LIVE VIDEO