Beachgoers issued 'float to live' advice by RNLI

If swimmers get in trouble in the water, they are urged to tilt their head back with ears submerged and try to relax

The RNLI is reminding beachgoers to remember the advice "float to live" if they find themselves in trouble in open water.

According to the organisation, although beach leisure time has increased in the UK by about a third over the past three years, 10% of people said the potential dangers associated with the water were something they did not think about often.

If people find themselves in trouble in the sea, they have been urged to tilt their head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control their breathing.

Steve Instance, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the south west said: "We are expecting the half-term holiday to be incredibly busy at the coast and across open water in the UK.

Wild swimmers are being urged to understand the risks

'Know what to do'

"We want everyone to enjoy being around the water but we also want to make sure people stay safe and know what to do in an emergency."

He added: "It is important that anyone visiting open water understands the risks of the environment.

"We want to make sure people know what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly."

RNLI said there were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2022, across inland and coastal locations.

Of the people who died, 40 per cent had no intention of entering the water.

These included walkers who might slip or fall, people being cut off by the tide, or those swept in by waves.