Ant Middleton tests the Float to Live survival skill with the RNLI

RNLI ambassador, adventurer and author Ant Middleton visited the RNLI in Brighton to experience cold water shock for real. Demonstrating the Float to Live survival advice, he leans back in the water, keeping his airway clear and allowing him to bring his breathing back under control.
If you get into trouble in cold water, all you need to do is float. For more information about cold water shock, visit bit.ly/ColdWaterShockRTW.
SUPPORT OUR LIFESAVING WORK - rnli.social/RNLI_donate
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - bit.ly/RNLI_Web
FACEBOOK - bit.ly/FacebookRNLI
TWITTER - bit.ly/TwitterRNLI
INSTAGRAM - bit.ly/InstagramRNLI
LINKEDIN - bit.ly/LinkedInRNLI
PINTEREST - bit.ly/PinterestRNLI
SNAPCHAT - bit.ly/SnapchatRNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. 95% of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.
But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 248 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.
If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
- - -
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

[@D3xt3rity]

This has been a great advertising campaign, please continue this kind of work

[@rnli]

Thanks for your feedback. Great to hear.

[@bigearedmouse17]

Thanks to Ant middleton for doing this, And a special thanks to the Courageous Men and Women of the RNLI who risk their lives daily.

[@fullenglishbreakfast3289]

Well said

[@rnli]

We're very grateful to have Ant's support

[@equaliser2265]

Not just RNLI matey, MOD Police marine unit RIB crews do their fair share.

[@andreajarvis4299]

This should be shown on mainstream TV stations from March - October. It might just save someone's life.

[@rnli]

Thanks Andrea, we do our best to continue sharing water safety messaging throughout the summer - as you say, it is lifesaving advice. Thanks for watching!

[@secretspurs]

Cold water shock killed my mum. These adverts are so important because people really don’t understand how dangerous it is. The amount of times I hear “they were a good swimmer” or “they were fit & healthy” - none of it matters, cold water will still kill you in seconds, whether it is at sea or in a small river like my mum. If she had seen these ads she may, potentially, still be alive. Maybe not, but I’m sure someone will be alive thanks to seeing this. Thank you RNLI

[@irenedavo3768]

Think of Nicola Bulley

[@sjk6097]

This should be shown as a national campaign, and promoting the RNLI can only be a good thing as well. No Govt funding, and maybe people will make a donation. The work they do is exceptionally brave.

[@rnli]

Thank you. This is part of our wider Respect The Water campaign. You can find our more here: rnli.info/nQAyB8

[@sunjine1332]

When I see Ant experience cold water shock: Oh how the tables have turned

[@EvadeModsRGH]

Should go to all schools and tell kids about this

[@rnli]

Our Youth Education volunteers do a great job spreading the word in schools and our Swim Safe programme is also reaching thousands of people age 7-14.

[@iainarthur7713]

When I was young (dumb) enough to windsurf all through winter (water down to c5C), even with a 5mm wetsuit and a neoprene hooded vest, before going out I'd dunk my head. Got you through the first cold hit and meant your first wipeout didn't end up being your last

[@pug-man6861]

Legend has it chuck Norris Fell in the ocean and gave the ocean cold water shock

[@jloae820]

Fucking hell, a chuck norris joke

[@Bension]

Haha

[@TeamLNE]

Only I recently experienced my first cold water shock and it’s horrible. Even with a wetsuit on the water at Loch Lomond can still be freezing. It caught me by complete surprise! It’s really hard to ignore your instincts but I do remember just telling myself to calm down and focus.

[@bena9251]

Brilliant awareness. My Grandad was in the RNLI for years as a helmsman and was awarded a bronze medal for a rescue - hearing his old stories, really sinks in what a fantastic service you deliver. Thank you.

[@rnli]

Thanks Ben. At which station was your Grandad based?

[@bena9251]

RNLI More then welcome, He was based at Eastney, Portsmouth.

[@nerfboi1234]

What did he do?

[@bena9251]

Nerfboi 123 From RNLI website - Bronze Medal awarded to Helmsman Sydney Thayers and William Hawkins and a Bronze Second-Service Clasp to Dennis Faro in recognition of their gallantry, dedication to duty, judgement and expert seamanship when the crew of two were rescued from the motor cruiser Valon in the Cockle Rythe area off Langstone Channel on 7 September.

[@Jones-xx2gc]

The RNLI are the true heroes.

[@thedarkriddler7318]

Good job that 90% of the world is covered by kante and the rest 10% water

[@chrisdawson955]

😆😆😆

[@tuioptuiop1728]

connor mckearney 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hedinatarbin7374]

TUIOP Tuiop seer

[@MegaTammy321]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@mattyy101]

Lol does he still get played in cdm?

[@zephyrsig]

They taught my school this in swimming lessons almost 8+ years ago. Maybe we just had a good instructor. I would just use it as a way to chill in the deep end without floats

[@bac135]

In my region in Brasil many people die in consequency of cold shock. The temperature in atmosphere is very hot but water is very cold in mountains.

[@JMC77]

I nearly got done this way in 2003.. This was in Loch Lubnaig in Scotland. Showing off. Nearly paid the ultimate price. But managed stay calm despite being in a freezing cold loch. Didn't try and swim back because it would have robbed me of energy and momentum and and kept my head elevated as much as possible out of the water until I got to the other side. Scary stuff and a mistake I'll never make again. Good video

[@rnli]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Jude 💪 It's an incredibly important lesson.

[@KyleInOklahoma]

*_As kids we were swimming before we were old enough for school in Dublin. I swam in filthy canals too but only realized the dangers later in life. I moved to the outskirts of Dublin which meant my kids wernt down in the water all day like us. So i signed them up with the "best" group for teaching swimming but 6 weeks in they were still the same. I took them out & taught them myself cause i wanted them swimming before school so the twins had a few months to learn but the other 2 had 1 & 2 years so they were experts at 4 yrs of age, lmao. I showed them something i really enjoy which is to lay on my back or belly making no movements, jerking or splashing-Just floating. Its super relaxing & bring some water proof earbuds & spend 30 minutes floating on your back with your eyes closed, priceless. Early on i would lie on my belly in the pool in order to scare the shit out of my wife & when she'd jump in the pool to save me i'd tell her it was a live action drill, lmao._*

[@harryvj6397]

It’s absolutely paramount that people know this information. However in such scenarios your brain will take over and make you panic. Ensure you know the routine before you ever think of getting into possibly dangerous water

[@rnli]

We certainly recommend practising floating in a safe place before you need it

[@peetsnort]

One trick is to splash the back of your neck with the cold water before jumping in

[@rnli]

@@peetsnort Acclimatising is really important if you're going swimming in cold water. Take it slowly and don't jump in.

[@dekbrown]

THis campaign this summer has been one of the few things that has stuck in my head. Good work. Just got to remember to do it if it happens now.

[@rnli]

Thanks Derek, great to hear

[@milocurran3817]

Big up Brighton 💙💙💙

[@marekfilan]

LiveToFloatAndLove

[@EFChartley]

Ant is a beast!!

[@Xxxjxxx282]

Respect to Ant and the RNLI

[@MT-lq9fq]

i used to swim with my dad at age 5 while he dived for sea food always respect the ocean always

[@DiorlandRippRBLX]

Advertising #FloatToLive is amazing! The advertising campaign, the effort though. Keep it up!

[@lmc1dj]

I remember having to do a water crossing up at Catterick one very cold January in a section comp. That feeling of your life getting took away on entering was naaaasty untill you had it under control. Breath breath breath,n paddle. Brrrrrrr.

[@joshrh2194]

Ants is acting like he hasn’t been in a lot colder water in the military 😂

[@timerson41]

You never really get used to any of it

[@jm6958]

@@timerson41 even those crazy people who swim in ice water need time to call down

[@jm6958]

Calm

[@thesuperiorbench6307]

Bleeds xo wb Wim Hof 👀

[@equaliser2265]

SBS

[@rodneyquinn2528]

Love to see him in my elements

[@TK___421]

Great video😎👍🏻

[@thomasjones8648]

Interesting knowledge, Thank you so much RNLI for all your amazing work, especially through the Covid 19 epidemic, we are all so grateful and every time I go to the Coast at a lifeguarded beach I always feel protected, Keep up the fabulous work! :) :) :) :) :)

[@MsCooltutorials]

ant sounds like david beckham

[@charpickering8919]

Exactly the same. I just switched from an interview of David Beckham to ant talking in this video. The way they talk is the same

[@paulhare1825]

@@charpickering8919 diference is ant is a real man and beckham is a girl pants

[@richshackleton8104]

Beckham has a better body

[@dimbrightman]

Paul Hare Ant isn’t a real man either, selling his soul and dignity for TV and painting himself up like a twat with the hipster beard and tats

[@thehop639]

No, no he doesn't

[@JFP1988]

12 degrees. Try 2-3 degrees. We regularly swim in 2-3 degree water in Finland. But yes you need to be prepared and you make sure not to swim too far or for too long.

[@Sharpzilla]

❤️ the RNLI

[@pilotactor777]

In Kabul I'd gym and then walk into the pool in mid winter. The exercise was based and Rickson Gracies cold water training. By the time I dunked my head under and started to climb the steps out the pool, I'd literally feel my legs becoming paralysed. Cold water ...not where we are supposed to be.

[@jamesgreen4080]

Life boat men and women are true heroes.

[@combatwombat2134]

Definitely the sort of adverts that people need to see. Whilst many of us will never experience this situation, I suspect we'll all remember the lines of the adverts we've seen and what's been said in this.

[@rnli]

Thanks for the positive feedback - glad it's made an impact with you

[@MMKLYH]

Well done ant Middleton for using your status to get an important message across

[@Jinx2media]

I remember jumping into some glacial run off water in canada a couple years back, it was a five second swim out of the water but felt like a life time, the panic set in instantly.

[@tomconte3734]

The guy at 0:19 is one of my bosses. So cool that he got to meet Ant always thought he was such a cool guy to meet

[@PF-gi9vv]

My opinion has dramatically fallen since he made comments after the Antifa & BLM riots.

[@outdoorgorillauk2127]

Great video should have more views

[@paulratcliffe4403]

How come there is no water safety taught in schools anymore. This video if shown around schools and maybe have live information boards like they have in shopping centres and highstreets could potentially save alot of lives. Good video👍

[@pompeygod8969]

Amazing and important video, but I did chuckle at the even in summer part... we’re BRITISH!!!

[@charliemakepeace4049]

As Ant Middleton has served in the SBS water would be second nature for him but when entering very cold water pretty much everyone copes the same.

[@benedictearlson9044]

Water will be but they operate in dry suits so cold water shock is not something they necessarily need to expect or train for.

[@JoepHeki]

I ended up in quite a cold lake couple years ago, we were doing an exercise and I ended up probably about 30metres from the side in the lake. All my air got 'punched' out of my body and I started to panic a little bit because it was so difficult to breathe..you kind of start hyperventilating. I wasn't even far from the side to get out but I felt a lot of fear, I've been swimming all my life...people really underestimate these things

[@rnli]

That sounds really scary Joep. Glad you made it out ok. Would you be willing to share your story with us? If so, please submit it at rnli.org/about-us/contact-us/share-your-story.

[@peetsnort]

I used to swim in the Atlantic in cape town and the water was 7to 10 °c off milnerton beach. I was poor and couldn't afford a wet suit. I used to bodysurf for about 20 minutes and then my wrists would get stiff and that was the time to get out. You then spent 15 minutes violently shivering in hot cape sun. The bloke who swam the English coast used to swim to robben Island. Absolute heroes 7 miles I swam last month at lullsworth cove and it felt warm and today its 15 and 13 is the same in cape town and its winter now. But ask anyone who has been in the Atlantic in cape town and they will say its very cold.

[@philwaitrose110]

Howard Petterson cheers Howard mate I’ll definitely bare that in mind

[@rodgeyd6728]

If Ant struggles ! were f**ked . Great job RNLI , much respect and admiration to all crews .

[@rnli]

Hi, that's the effect of cold water - it causes a gasp reflex. We want to show that cold water can affect anyone, no matter how fit or strong you are. As Ant would tell you it's about mind over matter and fighting your instinct to panic. If you get into trouble you need to keep calm and remember this advice.

[@rodgeyd6728]

@@rnli . I'll stick to Mediterranean temperature, advice taken on board. I remember when I did my PADI open water , we were going to do it of the farne Islands but luckily it was to rough so we did it in an filled in quary near Catterick. Even the seals find it cold of the farne Islands .

[@tungstenkid2271]

i had a scare when I went swimming at a beauty spot 30 years ago on a hot summers day because when i got in the water my heart started palpitating and i began feeling faint but managed to scramble out just in time.

[@daffyd5867]

Even here in Australia, water temperature can be cold...sometimes in winter the water temperature is higher than the air temperature but regardless, your initial reaction is to 'forget'to swim....even panic...

[@Arvid2022]

I dip in the ocean all year round (just for a shot bit) and I would recommend it to everyone. Not only do you learn to control your mindset and how you react it’s also really therapeutic

[@hugocina541]

That is at Brighton west pier and then hove lagoon

[@MedussahMiddleton]

I love your hair like that xxx

[@tikkunolam112]

I think he was an SBS operator... so natural environment for him...

[@makawakapaka1]

I love ant. HASHTAG FLOAT TO LIVE

[@BananaTVs]

👊 the 🌊

[@MT-lq9fq]

I went to Brighten with I friend and we went straight to a bar but it wasn't the kind of bar I was used to so I made out I was playing British Bulldog hahaha

[@pmacc3557]

should not any goverment be asha.ed that rescue teams such as rnli require donations from public? iv always found it strange. they should be govt. funded ...no discussions.

[@paulsavage100]

Very good point sir

[@oc4026]

Exactly.

[@rnli]

Hi there, we're proud to be independent of government thanks to our amazing supporters and dedicated volunteers

[@pmacc3557]

@@rnli Hi. Yes and proud you should be. I still maintain it is a Goverment responsibility

[@daveking6192]

If they were government funded they wouldn’t be as efficient

[@jizzerpf]

In straya the water is always warm

[@andrewdavies1312]

It's a bastard. I fell in the canal when I was about 14. That was in summer and it still took my breath out of me

[@nathanhodgson8384]

I’d like to see ant on a programme like the challenge to see how far he’d get

[@nathanhodgson8384]

Parental Guardian I’m not dissing the guy would just be entertaining to see how good he’d do

[@dylansimons6536]

Having been in 7° degrees water I know how cold it can really be

[@dylansimons6536]

BC Bob warm

[@kieranhendy]

Anyone know the name of the music from the start? I think its the same one thats in Assetto Corsa Competizione?

[@maxolieff2906]

I live there that’s west pier it got burnt down

[@finchy77finch79]

Don’t really think we needed that guy next to ant since ant was sbs😂😂

[@smithkennedy1444]

Hi Matt Middleton

[@livetwice7702]

I was swept off the breakwater at Mullion Cove in a storm surge in late October into a freezing sea , what kept me alive …..wearing wool , I had natural wool tights , skirt vest and jumper on . Wool absorbs 30% of water before it touches your skin, as it dries it releases heat …..it’s no coincidence that sheep stand in a snow storm with a foot of snow on their back and don’t even feel it . The paramedics tested me three times and couldn’t believe it , my body stats were normal. Wool saved me that day and the Good Lord …….🙏🏻🙏🏻 blessed is His Name the Lord Jesus Christ .

[@abdsalamelkhamlichi6677]

Respect the wootah

[@teresasliwinski2529]

WIM HOF method would help . Stay calm and take deep breaths

[@bobboy7242]

I’ve experience cold water shock twice and it’s honestly one of the most awful things that’s happened to me physically. You just have to lie back until you can breath or like how I did the second time, rest your body over something floating (I was fortunate enough to fall in with my rowing scull that time)

[@rnli]

Hi Bob, that sounds really scary - would you be willing to share your stories with us in more detail? You can do so at rnli.org/about-us/contact-us/share-your-story.

[@seanmeester9034]

Thats how i chill for like one hour in the water 🤔🤔

[@Rogge73]

Ant is disturbingly handsome, no homo.

[@mattwood5317]

Bit of a difference of situations. He knows he’s safe and won’t die

[@mastafixa]

Should be taught this in school....

[@smokedog2185]

Wim hof somewhere under the ice saying too him self u think that waters cold

[@taylormade2826]

Wim HOF joined the discussion

[@williewonka8440]

This guy is a 1 man army

[@mysteryman9641]

This video is funny. 😆😅

[@everynamewastakenomg]

I nearly drowned from cold water shock as a teenager. It instantly takes your breath away. Truly terrifying experience.

[@oc4026]

All you've got to do is compose yourself. Like they say, float.

[@rnli]

That sounds really scary - glad you are ok. Would you be willing to share your story with us? If so, please visit rnli.org/about-us/contact-us/share-your-story.

[@nik.pun_10]

Anyone thought the video thumbnail looked like Messi??😂

[@gage_turner]

Lol for a second i was like “tHe WaTEr wOuLd Be fRozEn iF iT waS 12 deGrEeS”

[@SnakeFist150]

Float to live, easier said than done, I cant even float in a swimming pool I am incapable of floating haha

[@rnli]

Hi, we recommend practicing this skill in a swimming pool as it might take a bit of time to find the right technique for you - you may need to lean back in the water further than you think. But the most important thing is that, if you did fall into cold water, you stay calm, don't swim hard and keep your mouth and nose out of the water - so if you need to gently tread water that is better than fighting the water. Staying calm also helps keep air trapped in any clothes you might be wearing, which aids floating. Hope that helps.

[@manofbeard]

No Ant, it’s not talk to me about cold water shock, it’s Cold Water shock. Talk ta me. Terry Tibbs on propa English 😂

[@paulpham9216]

Damn in Australia we have to worry about rips

[@houghton841]

So do we in the UK

[@ste9474]

Global warming will sort this problem out

[@desirefusion532]

Ste Richards sea levels are rising though

[@cronus468]

DeSiReFusion what does that’s have to do with the sea being warmer

[@Gblonkers]

Cronus more water to warm up

[@adamfirth3082]

@@Gblonkers also more water to cool down again during winter

[@afriendlycadian9857]

@@adamfirth3082 warm water is far easier to make it cold than the other way round

[@laurencegraham9368]

Just a comment to make your money.

[@mikeyh5120]

Laurence Graham swimming around in millys with those 22 likes

[@tottenhamfc2273]

Guys like us are at risk from drowning so tell your mates they should float

[@meme4013]

I was swimming in nothing but a pair of shorts, off the North East Coast in May just under 10 degrees. Mind over matter

[@meme4013]

@ArmageddonRacing haha thanks

[@charlescooper2504]

My pools 8 degrees in australia and im fine m8

[@Ambersroses08]

Charles Cooper ... Don’t say that when you fall in lmao and drown.

[@charlescooper2504]

@@Ambersroses08 what ever you say bud

[@undefined-ze6dc]

If ant can't swim we are all truly fooked

[@tomrichards1634]

the lesson is to "Float like a boat"

[@Crimsonfate]

What temperature?

[@rnli]

Coldest month of the year water-wise. Around 8C. Cold water shock can occur in anything less than 15C.

[@Crimsonfate]

@@rnli thanks

[@mas3974]

I always carry a rubber ring.

[@oc4026]

I always carry a Johnny in my wallet, so if this ever happens to me, I'll just rip my wallet out, inflate my Johnny and float to safety.

[@paulsavage100]

Hector is still running 3 honda civics tho.

[@samscothern1278]

Ant was in the SBS so no doubt he's experienced much worse.

[@4ndy123]

His hair is dry when he is first in the sea 😂

[@thomaswilcox5265]

1:40 not to make light of an important video, but how would you know this? You can't ask somebody who's dead if they really intended to enter the sea that day, can you??

[@williamfullofwood7421]

If you were on a walk with your family and you accidentally fell into the sea from a cliff line and drowned then I think it’s safe to assume that your family would say that you did not intend to fall in.

[@thomaswilcox5265]

@@williamfullofwood7421 Oh I see. I read it as though it meant those people chose to go into the water as a spur of the moment thing, but I think it means people fell into the water.

[@rnli]

Hi Thomas, slips, trips and falls can all result in unexpected immersion in water. People taking part in activities such as rock angling have also been washed in by waves. Suddenly falling in also puts you at greater risk of cold water shock/panic reflex.

[@McStoolio]

Why did he say, "hi, I'm. Mat Middleton".

[@RonaldPickering]

Dudes an actor

[@houghton841]

A former special services operative, Special Boat Service.

[@Mtb-cp6gz]

I prefer Dec

[@harildd]

Cold water shock saved my dads life because it shut his brain down so he didn't drown and then he was in a coma for 3 weeks

[@jackgough7640]

Miss Middleton hits police women! Naughty naughty boy.

[@PF-gi9vv]

Why little men like him needs steroids, makes him feel unbeatable.