Float First
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Float First: Characteristics and actions required to stay afloat in ethnically diverse populations
IRAS ID
311148
Contact name
Heather Massey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Portsmouth
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
In the UK, between 2009 and 2020 an average of 350 people drowned per annum following accidental immersion in water. Half had not intended to go into the water and were therefore not prepared. During the first 3 minutes of immersion, the “cold shock response” can increase the probability of drowning. The risk is increased if individuals “thrash about” or attempt to swim at this time. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) created the respect the water campaign which focuses on the ‘float to live’ message. This provides instruction about how to stay afloat (by undertaking the minimum amount of activity possible minimizing the challenge to the airway and maximizing air retained within clothing layers, providing additional buoyancy. People of different size, shape and body composition have differing buoyancy properties, and thus the technique and effort required to stay afloat differs. This study will extend the research underpinning the float to live message to ethnically diverse populations. The study will be conducted with the Black Swimming Association (BSA), RNLI and the Universities of Portsmouth, Birmingham, King’s College London and Leeds Beckett and Trinity. Adults from African, Caribbean and Asian communities who are self-declared as comfortable in water will be asked to volunteer.
The study involves measurements of body composition using a DEXA scanner, in addition to more easily accessible anthropometric measurements of height, mass, chest, upper arm, hip, waist and thigh circumference as well as lung function, buoyancy and floating technique. These data will establish which measures impact how people stay afloat. This information will lead to more bespoke public information about the techniques needed to stay afloat when immersed in water, and who should use which techniques. This will provide the evidence base to inform drowning prevention advice given to members of the public from African, Caribbean and Asian communities
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0414
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion