Recently conducted research from England has found that floating first, rather than attempting to swim or wave for help, is a more effective drowning prevention measure for those who fall into the water. The study “Float First: An Assessment of the Buoyancy Provided by Seasonal Clothing Assemblies Before and After Swimming” was conducted by researchers at the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

This conclusion was reached after researchers conducted tests that showed that staying as still as possible in the first few minutes after falling into the water increases survival time by enabling air trapped in clothing to assist in keeping the head above water, thus protecting the airway and slowing the rate at which the body cooled.

As a result, this study advocates that the float first approach be taught as a survival skill to as many people as possible, however it should not replace the need for people to learn to swim or wear personal floatation devices (where appropriate).

This research has important implications in the United Kingdom where on average 445 people drowned per year between 1993 and 2003, with the single biggest cause of drowning deaths being people falling into inland waterways. Cold water survival skills are also important as average water temperatures in the UK are between 10 and 12 degrees.

Dr Martin Barwood, of the University of Portsmouth’s department of sport and exercise science said “accidental immersion poses a threat to us all. These findings will raise awareness of the threat posed by hazardous environments and could help teach people to cope in such circumstances and ultimately survive their ordeal”.

He went on to say “After a couple of minutes of floating we become accustomed to the cold and may be better able to remain afloat because of buoyancy in our clothes. It may now be possible to swim a short distance to safety”.

Amy Peden, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

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