guide

Float to Live: what to do if you get into trouble

Learn the RNLI’s Float to Live steps for an unexpected fall into cold water.

If you unexpectedly enter cold water, the RNLI advises you to fight the instinct to thrash around and float until you can control your breathing.

1. Lean back and extend your arms and legs to help keep your mouth and nose clear.
2. Gently move your arms and legs if you need help staying afloat.
3. Try to breathe normally and wait until you feel more in control.
4. Then call or signal for help, or swim to safety if you can.

People float differently; follow current RNLI advice and do not treat this page as a replacement for learning or supervised practice. In an emergency at the coast call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.