Safe sea swimming 🛟

Published: Tue, 05/20/25

Updated: Mon, 05/26/25

Dear Swimmer

Have you heard of 'float to live'? The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) today launched its Float to Live campaign and shared some stats - 'while 82% of people in the North East of England plan to visit the coast this summer, a worrying 78% would not think to try and float.'

We've got some stats of our own. More than a third of us swim in the sea, according to our most recent Trends Survey - and while the main reason people swim outdoors is “I feel good after”, lots of us (>50%) swim to keep fit or train for challenges.

Apart from sharing the float to live message, there are a few things us swimmers can do to stay safer when we swim in the sea.

The RNLI also has a regular column in our magazine, so swim this way for better open water safety. You can buy the Swim Lifestyle issue or subscribe today and get 30% off an annual subscription.

Ella Foote, Editor

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1. JOIN A GROUP

When it comes to swimming in the sea, nothing beats joining a group or coached session. Local knowledge is one of the most valuable safety tools you have in your arsenal.

So, whether you're new to sea swimming or planning a long distance swim, get in touch with a local swim guide, coach or group. Read our guide on how to check a coach, guide or group leaders credentials before you join them.

2. TELL THE LIFEGUARD

Chances are, you're going to swim beyond the red and yellow flags. Despite what you might assume, beach lifeguards are perfectly happy for you to do this - but they love it when you tell them your plans. It means they can share any local knowledge about rip tides etc and keep an eye on you.

"We really appreciate it when open water swimmers tell us their plan," says Weymouth beach lifeguard, Courtney Randino. "Then we can keep an eye on them and if anything does happen, we've got that information."

TOP SEA SAFETY TIPS

The sea is a wonderful, exhilarating place to swim and explore - especially in the summer. To stay safe, we also recommend:

3. Swim with friends: there's safety in numbers

4. Wear a bright coloured hat and use a tow float: Tow floats make you so much more visible from the beach and from boats - plus, you can carry extra safety kit such as a whistle and mobile phone

5. Hug the shoreline: Not only will this make you less likely to encounter fast-moving boats and jet skis, but it also makes you easier to spot from the shore and you can get out easily if you get tired.

6. The RNLI’s advice for anyone struggling in the water is ‘Float to Live’:

· Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged

· Relax and try to breathe normally

· Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat

· It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently

· Practise floating in a local pool if you can.

If you see someone else struggling in water:

· Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

· Tell the person to relax and float on their back.

· Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.