Float to Survive
Float to Survive
Key water safety messages & programs
Float to survive has been identified as the key water safety survival message by world leaders in the field of water safety
The Float to Survive message is a component of a long term solution to reducing drowning worldwide.
We can all recognize the importance of “float to survive” as a life skill.
Float to Survive practical programs were conducted for over 20,000 participants in 2022 through our SEA Australia program provider
Five steps that can save your life
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Stop swimming and try to keep your airways above the water by floating.
If in a surf rip don’t try to swim back to the beach against the current
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Raise elbows & massage the water while trying to relax by floating, tread water with feet if needed, or roll onto your back
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Observe your surrounds, raise your arm and calmly call for help.
If in the surf, the waves will assist you back to the beach , so don’t try to swim away from them
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Use whatever floatation method you can to keep your airways above the water, ensuring elbows remain near the surface
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Never lose contact with a floatation device if you have one
Float to Survive was formed in Australia due to the great need for consistent water safety messages and programs by Former surf Ironman & international swimming champion - Craig (Riddo) Riddington
A word from Riddo
The “float to survive” message is not a new concept in water safety terms, however in recent times key messages have been somewhat confusing and misleading, we believe contributing to drowning. Many mixed messages generate an adverse effect for a person who is in difficulty in a body of water to take immediate action, which in many cases leads to loss of life.
The simple “float to survive” message can be adapted to any occurrence where drowning is a real possibility, It is also a skill that has - over the years, been neglected by a large proportion of the population, populations that have easy access to dangerous water ways. Float to survive can be adapted to any in-water activities, such as swimming in the ocean/surf, surfing, kayaking, boating, fishing, pools, rivers & dams.
This skill needs to be called upon when in any aquatic environment.
