RNLI Urges Public to Follow Water Safety Advice as Hot Weather Returns

Tuesday 23 June 2026

Lifesaving charity highlights dangers of cold water shock and encourages safe behaviour at the coast and inland waterways.

As temperatures rise and people flock to beaches, lakes, rivers and canals, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging the public to put essential water safety advice into practice to help prevent drownings during the current spell of hot weather.

With schools preparing to break for the summer holidays, the charity is particularly encouraging families to discuss water safety with children, teenagers and young adults, while sharing vital safety messages among friends and communities.

The RNLI is reminding people that although open water may appear inviting during warm weather, significant dangers remain. One of the greatest risks is cold water shock, which can affect anyone entering cold water suddenly and may lead to panic, drowning and loss of life within moments.

Finn Mullen, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said:

"We are delighted to see the sun and hot weather return, and we want people to enjoy themselves during it, but we want them to do so safely. Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of."

He explained that despite warm air temperatures, seas, lakes and rivers remain cold enough throughout the year to trigger cold water shock, causing involuntary gasping, a rapid increase in heart rate and breathing difficulties.

"The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise," Mullen added.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone who gets into difficulty in the water to remember its Float to Live advice. By floating on their back, tilting their head back and controlling their breathing, casualties can buy valuable time to regain control and either call for help or make their way to safety.

The charity is also stressing the importance of staying safe when attempting to help others. Members of the public are advised never to enter the water to carry out a rescue.

"If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty," said Mullen. "Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring."

For those visiting the coast, the RNLI continues to recommend choosing lifeguarded beaches wherever possible and swimming between the red and yellow flags. Beachgoers should also check weather forecasts, tide times and local safety information before entering the water.

The charity is further encouraging parents and guardians to discuss the risks associated with swimming and jumping into open water with younger family members and friends. To help spread awareness, the RNLI has made a range of free downloadable social media videos and resources available, aimed at reaching younger audiences with potentially lifesaving advice.

RNLI Water Safety Advice

Float To Live

If you find yourself in trouble in the water:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

• Relax and try to breathe normally

• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat

• Remember that everyone floats differently and it is normal for legs to sink

• Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety

Phone, Float, Throw

If you see someone else in trouble in the water:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

• Tell the casualty to Float to Live

• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring or other buoyant object

The RNLI hopes that by following and sharing this advice, more lives can be saved this summer across both coastal and inland waterways.