On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 22:00:50 -0700, Chuck Gould
wrote:

Who's had some actual training or hands-on experience in this field?
Tom, maybe?

In water assist is never an option unless the MOB is injured in some
way that precludes the MOB from assisting in the rescue. In that
case, going over the side without a PFD on the rescuer is inviting
diaster.

Most boaters don't have the equipment to pull off a simple rescue,
never mind one that is complicated. Something like a simple throw bag
or life ring are absent on most small boats. Throwable cushions are
fine, but I'll bet you any amount of money you would like to name that
nobody here on this group practices throwing one. Or how to throw
one. How many small boats have boat hooks? How many here actually
know how to properly throw a cushion or throw bag? How many know how
to properly approach a MOB for rescue - or the proper way to rescue an
unconscious, or floating face down MOB?

On my Ranger there are three throwable floating devices, one throw
bag, a spare PFD, boat hook and a full emergency breathing kit
including collapsable ambu bag for CPR all available in seconds. Every
time I take somebody out on my Ranger, they get a quick safety lecture
- small things like how to start the engine, how to steer, where the
rescue gear is located - things like that. Takes three minutes and
it's simple enough to remember. How many people do that?

I should write a book. :)