This Island Packet 38 circled its victim a whopping 11 times before finally bringing the Lifesling close enough for the swimmer to grab it. When deploying a Lifesling, throw rope, or any other contact-making robe device, there is always a chance of dragging a victim along behind the boat. Tests showed that dragging a victim at a speed above 1.5 to 2 knots can cause the person to be pushed beneath the water.
See how a loose fitting Type III jacket can ride up in the water and become uncomfortable and less effective. The good old "elevator method" is still an effective way to get a conscious victim back on board in a pinch.
Test organizers felt the impressions of the victims being rescued were some of the most valuable lessons to be learned. Here, swimmer Jon Hedland shares his thoughts with a data collector, Chris Marshall. Volunteer swimmer and BoatU.S. member Page Read. Ph. D., prepares to hit the water. Like many participants, Read both brought a product for testing and took part in hands-on trials of other products. The Markusnet is designed to hoist a weak or unconscious victim from the water. It seemed to work best on the Grand Banks, which had an electric winch.
The “Life Scoop” was a prototype designed to bring aboard an unconscious victim. The swim platform of the Grand Banks 42 was too rough to use for boarding at times. The Markus Scramblenet could be used for the victim to climb, or he could be rolled aboard, as seen here.
Photos by Phil Cowley. Additional photos by Ruth Wood and Joni Turken.
©2007, BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water