How to use a water rescue throwline (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/how-use-throwline)

How to use a water rescue throwline

Read our guide to using a water safety throwline.

If you see someone in the water

  1. Call 999.
  2. Never jump in the water to rescue someone.
  3. Get the throwline.
  4. Hold the end of the line in one hand and the bag in your other hand.
  5. Throw the bag so that it lands beyond the casualty.
  6. Shout to the casualty to grab hold of the line, not the bag.
  7. Once they have a good grip, stabilise yourself and pull them to safety.
  8. Wait for assistance before trying to lift the casualty from the water
 

Watch a throwline demonstration

Watch our video to see a throwline being used.

 

Transcript of the how to use a throwline video

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How to use a throwline

[A person is in a river waving their arms and appearing to be in difficulty. A firefighter demonstrates how to use a throwline from the shore by following these steps]

If you see someone struggling in the water, call 999 immediately
Never jump in to rescue someone.

  1. The firefighter gets the throwline
  2. They hold the end of the line in one hand and throw the bag with the other hand
  3. They throw the bag beyond the casualty
  4. They shout to the casualty to grab the line, not the bag
  5. Once the casualty has a firm grip on the line, the firefighter stabilises themself and pulls the casualty to the shore.

They then wait for assistance.

Source URL: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/how-use-throwline

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  1. https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/how-use-throwline