Survivor Shares Life-Saving Floating Technique
A surfer who survived a rip current by using a floating technique alongside his brother is now leading a national safety campaign aimed at saving lives.
Euan Gray, 22, and his brother Andrew, 19, encountered trouble at Tynemouth, North Tyneside, when caught in a rip current. Both applied the RNLI's Float to Live manoeuvre to stay afloat while awaiting rescue by a lifeboat.
The RNLI charity commended the Gateshead brothers for their calm and effective response, encouraging others to adopt the same approach.
The Float to Live technique involves tilting the head backwards until the ears are submerged and, importantly, remaining calm without panicking.
The incident occurred in May 2025 at the south end of Longsands beach, a location known for a strong rip current—a powerful channel of water moving out to sea.
Both brothers resisted the natural urge to swim against the current. Instead, they floated and awaited assistance, a skill taught to them by their father years earlier at their local swimming pool.
While Andrew managed to climb out onto nearby rocks, Euan required rescue by the Cullercoats RNLI crew after members of the public alerted them.
To commemorate the anniversary of their rescue and to raise funds to thank their rescuers, the brothers are undertaking a half marathon every day throughout May.
Euan has also become the face of the RNLI's annual Float To Live water safety campaign.
"I'm very grateful [to the RNLI] and can't find the words to thank them enough," he said.
"I just want to help in any way possible and spread awareness about floating to live.
"It saved my life, I hope it can save other people."
RNLI Praises Calm Response and Highlights Safety Advice
Nick Ayers, the RNLI's regional water safety lead, praised the brothers for their use of the floating technique.
"In those situations, quite naturally you will panic," he said. "You are in a stressful situation.
"But it's all about trying to fight that instinct to thrash your arms and swim hard against the water."
The RNLI has recorded approximately 50 instances over the past 11 years where individuals have used the float position to save themselves from drowning.
Regarding rip currents, which are typically narrow channels of water moving out to sea, Ayers advised that competent swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to escape the flow.
He emphasized the importance of adopting the float position as the primary safety measure.
Anyone witnessing someone in distress in the water is urged to take appropriate safety measures.
Accidental Drowning Statistics and Awareness
In 2024, there were 193 accidental drowning fatalities in the UK, with 84% of victims being male, according to the RNLI.
Men aged 20 to 29 represented the highest demographic for accidental drowning deaths.
Euan was rescued by the Cullercoats RNLI B class Atlantic boat named Daddy's Girl.
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