The RNLI, Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure ran Swim Safe sessions at the University of Plymouth recently to teach students vital lifesaving skills which could help save their life if they are struggling in the water.
As part of the university’s ‘Discovery Week’ 19th to 23rd May, the university collaborated with Swim England, Plymouth Active Leisure and the RNLI to ensure their students are equipped with the skills to stay safe in the water this summer.
Each year RNLI lifesavers respond to many incidents around the south west coastline of adults and children in difficulty. In 2013 Swim England and the RNLI launched Swim Safe to help children learn how to stay safe around open water and avoid getting into difficulty.
Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure ran Swim Safe sessions and an ‘introduction to open water swimming’ session, at Tinside Cove on Thursday 22 May. The sessions were adapted to an adult audience, and taught students how to stay safe in and around the sea, including how to spot dangers, how to Float, and what to do if you see others in trouble. On Tuesday 20 May the RNLI also delivered a young adult water safety programme to more students, teaching people how to call for help correctly and how to use a throwline.
In recent weeks the RNLI has spoken to thousands of primary school children as part of the Meet the Lifeguards programme, to teach children essential water safety skills. The charity is also working with colleges and universities to ensure the vital safety messages are shared with young adults and beyond too.
One of the students participating in the session was Viddhi Chhadva, who’s studying a masters degree in occupational therapy. She said: ‘I saw the session in the discovery week programme and I don’t know how to swim so thought it would be good. I’ve learnt how to float, how to get into the water safely and what to do if I get into trouble. I loved it and definitely feel more confident, and I’d like to learn how to swim now.’
Digital and social media student Grace Uwe, said: ‘This was a very new experience for me and I was excited to take part. I felt it was essential to have some experience and know the basics of saving myself in the water. I feel like I’ve learnt how to stay safe and I’m planning to do more swimming lessons now.’
Discovery Week is the last academic year at the University of Plymouth and is a chance for students to celebrate gaining more than just their degree at University, with initiatives to help them stand out from the crowd; try something new and broaden horizons; and make new connections with other students.
Steve Gaskin, Associate Director of Student Support and Experience at the University of Plymouth, said: ‘As a proud coastal city, we want all of our students to know how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe near and in the water. This event was an exciting opportunity for students of all swimming abilities to learn more about the open water, and we’re very grateful to the RNLI, Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure for their support in delivering it.’
The single piece of advice which the RNLI is urging the public to remember, share and practice is: If you find yourself struggling in water, Float to Live.
Emmie Seward-Adams, South West Water Safety Delivery Support, says:
‘Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about. We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.
‘The seas around our coasts are cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, while waves and rip currents can overpower even the most experienced water users. This advice could be a lifesaver for anyone who is heading to the water – even those who are experienced, and those who have no plans to enter the water.
RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice
· 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.