What to do in a water emergency

If someone gets into difficulty in the water, knowing what to do can help save a life, while keeping yourself safe too. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue; instead, use the advice below and call 999 as soon as possible.

Shout, Reach, Throw, Don’t Go

If you see someone in trouble in the water:

• Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.

  Give a precise location to get them on their way – what3words (what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location) is ideal for providing an exact location, especially in more remote areas.

• SHOUT – Shout to the person in the water.

  Get them to stay calm, lie on their back in a starfish position – Float To Live. Ask them to try to stand up or swim towards you if possible.

• REACH – Try to reach the person in the water.

  Find something long and detachable, like a pole or a branch. Lie down or crouch, using the stick to try to reach and pull the person towards you.

  If you feel yourself being pulled in, let go – one person is easier to rescue from the water than two.

• THROW – Throw something that can float to them, for them to keep their head above water.

  Anything that floats will work - a football, a large empty water bottle or an inflatable device. Look around for a throw line.

  If a throw line is available, take an arm’s length line out of the bag and keep hold of the end.

  Hold the bag up in the air, showing the person in the water what you’re about to throw to them.

  Throw the line beyond the casualty. Ask them to grab hold of the line – not the bag. Ask them to put it across their chest like a seat belt and lie on their back.

  Stay down low and, once you have a good grip, pull the person to an area of safety.

  Wait for assistance before trying to lift the casualty from the water.

• DON’T GO – Never enter the water yourself, no matter what. One person is much easier to rescue than two.

  You are not able to see the hidden dangers under the water, and could end up in serious trouble. Make sure 999 is on the way and let us use our specialist equipment and training to conduct the rescue properly.

If you find yourself struggling in water – Float To Live

The RNLI have further resources on their Float To Live campaign.

• If you find yourself struggling in water, try to stay calm and shout for help.

• Fight the instinct to panic or swim

• Lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving hands and feet to help keep you afloat – like a starfish.

• Try to control your breathing – especially if it’s cold. Fight the urge to gasp or thrash around.  Once your breathing is controlled, shout for help and, if possible, try making your way towards safety.