New figures have emerged detailing the rate of drownings in the UK in 2022, and the data reveals that nearly half of the victims never intended to enter the water, ending up there due to causes like slips, trips, falls, changing tides and powerful waves. In response, sailing brand Helly Hansen recently teamed up with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in London to launch its annual water safety campaign. The launch took place at the Sky Pool in Embassy Gardens, a distinctive swimming pool suspended 115 feet in the air between two buildings that has transparent walls.
During the event, RNLI lifeguards and professional sailors demonstrated the practice of learning how to float in water if you find yourself in trouble. Though it's easy to panic if you end up in the water unexpectedly – or discover or stronger currents than you were prepared after intentionally entering the water – learning how to float can save your life. Attendee Michael Whitely, 65, credits the technique with keeping him calm and safe until the RNLI was able to rescue him at sea.
Instead of struggling and exhausting yourself by trying to fight against the currents, the RLNI has the following FLoat to Live advice to anyone out of their depths in open water: "Once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can," adds Gabbi Batchelor, Water Safety Education Manager at the RNLI. Already this year, we've reported on multiple water-related accidents, including a 59-year-old hi.