West Marine Lifesling2 User manual

The keys to effective rescues with
the Lifesling System are:
• Follow and PRACTICE the
recommended Lifesling rescue
techniques as written in this manual
• Before each trip, familiarize crew
on how to use the Lifesling2
• At least two crew persons
should be familiar with boat
handling, basic seamanship
and emergency procedures
• Stay close to the person in the water
• Do not lose sight of the person in
the water
Instruction Manual
Important! Read this manual before installing the Lifesling2;
practical knowledge of the system’s use is essential before
an emergency requires its use. Repack the Lifesling2 to be
assured of proper deployment.
Read This Manual Carefully!
Someone’s life may depend on it. Retrieval of
a person overboard (POB) can be very difficult
especially in rough or cold water.
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Lifesling2 Overboard Rescue Instructions
The Lifesling2 procedure may not be effective
without prior practice. The rescue method may vary
according to size and handling characteristics of your
vessel. Keep the victim in sight! The POB (person
overboard) can be quickly lost from view in any kind
of sea. Post an available crew member to keep an eye
on the POB and maintain as little distance between
the vessel and the POB as possible.
Option 1:
IMMEDIATELY circle the POB while deploying the
Lifesling2 astern of the vessel as if picking up a
water skier. (fig.1)
The Lifesling2 will trail behind the boat at the end
of the floating retrieval line. Practice has shown that the
Lifesling2 or retrieval line should reach the POB within
the first or second circle. Do not run over the retrieval
line and avoid hitting the POB.
Note: This method is preferred for single-handed
rescues but is also reliable for fully crewed boats. It
is simple in execution and does not require the more
precise maneuvering used in Option 2.
Option 2:
IMMEDIATELY initiate your pre-planned maneuver
to get back to the POB. (fig.2)
Carefully approach 6-10 feet from the POB, keeping
stern and propeller area away from POB and throw the
Lifesling2 when POB is close by. Do not throw the
Lifesling2 if the POB is more than 10' away: tangles
and misses could delay the rescue. Do not throw into
the wind.
Note: This method may be faster than Option 1,
but may require more skill in boat handling. It is not
preferred over Option 1 if the pick up is single handed
or if in rough seas.
When the Lifesling2 reaches the POB, stop the
boat immediately (sailboat drops sails, powerboat
stops engine). (fig.3)
The POB places the Lifesling2 under the arms. The
strain on the retrieval line will close the bolsters around
the POB. Built-in 20 lbs flotation supports the POB. Do
not tow POB behind boat. The POB could be pulled
under the water.
Turn off the engine(s) as soon as the POB has acquired
the Lifesling2. Remember that the propeller presents a
constant danger as long as the engine is running.
Deploy the Lifesling2 and circle
the victim until contact is
made, or…
Carefully approach the
victim and throw the
Lifesling2 when close by
STOP THE BOAT! Shut
down engine(s)
2
(fig.1)
(fig.2)
(fig.3)
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Pull the POB alongside.
The POB may be more comfortable by rotating the
Lifesling2 180 degrees and floating on his/her back,
but once alongside, make sure that the POB is rotated
back so that he is facing the retrieval line. Maintain
tension on the retrieval line so the POB will not slip
out. Once alongside, guide the POB to a ladder or
swimstep and assist in getting POB out of the water.
Do not put yourself in dangerous positions and fall in
the water yourself. Use a harness when necessary.
If the POB is unable to get out of the water, lift
POB up as far as possible and tie the retrieval
line to a cleat.
The POB is secured out of immediate drowning
danger while preparations for lifting aboard are
made. Rig a hoisting tackle (optional) or other lifting
device with the lifting point high enough above the
deck so that the POB will clear the rail. Attach one
end of the tackle to either the retrieval line loop
that runs through the two webbing loops ends of
the Lifesling2 or the loop that is tied three feet from
the webbing loops. Determine the proper lifting
device for your boat before using
the Lifesling2!
Hoist POB aboard.
If unable to bring POB aboard, radio or signal for
help. Remember, once the person is alongside, you
will not lose them and there is time to summon help.
Pull victim to boat. Assist
using ladder or swimstep
to get out of the water
If victim is unable to help
get aboard, secure victim
alongside boat and rig
hoisting tackle
Hoist victim aboard. If
unable to retrieve, call or
signal for help
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Additional Sailboat
Lifesling2 Instructions:
Crew overboard maneuvers, whether downwind or upwind,
need practice and an understanding of how to sail. The helmsper-
son needs to know the boat, how fast it turns, and
how much momentum it carries in relationship to its windage. The
skipper and crew need to try all maneuvers until they find the one
that works best for them and their boat; then practice that maneuver
until it becomes instinctive.
• If the boat is flying a spinnaker, round the boat up immediately
to reduce the distance traveled away from the victim. When
the boat nears head-to-wind, let the spinnaker halyard run free.
Gather the spinnaker. Sheet in the mainsail and beat back to the POB
(person overboard) or use auxiliary engine.
• If the boat is running with a whisker pole, let the genoa sheet run. Beat back to the POB
or, if need be, use auxiliary engine.
• Use of auxiliary power should be avoided but may be necessary in light air, if boat has no
headsail up, or has little ability to go to weather.
Before turning the engine on, WATCH FOR TRAILING LINES THAT WILL FOUL
THE PROPELLER.
• Once POB reaches Lifesling2, engine
should be shut off.
• Methods of getting the POB back aboard
such as ladders can be used with the
assistance of the Lifesling2 only when the
POB is non-hypothermic and uninjured
and the seas are calm. Be aware of the
violent motion of the stern of a boat.
Injuries can result in the up-and-down
motion of a transom ladder or transom
scoop.
• Because of hypothermia and fatigue, getting
back to the POB fast means that the POB
will be more able to aid rescuers by using
ladders or other methods. Using a block
and tackle is slower and more complex but
a more certain method. It is the alternative
when faster methods are unworkable (for
more information about hypothermia, see
inside back cover).
• To be able to hoist the POB out of the water, we highly recommend having a separate
3:1 block and tackle on board (West Marine Model 561100 / LIFE#W-TACKLE 3:1).
However, if your boat has large 2-speed self-tailing winches and a long halyard tail, you
can connect the halyard directly to the figure-eight loop of the retrieval line of the
Lifesling2, lead the other end through a lead block and to the winch, and hoist up. The
retrieval time will be reduced. But try it out having the weakest person lift the heaviest
person. It is surprising how hard it is to hoist a heavy, water-soaked person. Know how
to rig your lifting rig before you need to use it…then test it!
For more information on hoisting, see page 7.
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Additional Powerboat
Lifesling2 Instructions:
It is extremely important to always be aware of the
inherent danger of your boat's propeller(s) when
approaching the POB. When the POB is attached to the
Lifesling2, we suggest that you turn off the engine(s)
before pulling the POB (person overboard) alongside the
boat. If your boat is in danger of drifting into shore or
into other boats, we suggest that you drop your anchor
before pulling the POB to your boat.
Depending on the varying characteristics and designs of
powerboats, there are a number of ways to get the POB
back on board.
• Some boats may have swim platforms or ladders and,
in moderate conditions, these may work fine in getting
the POB out of the water, especially if the POB is not
hypothermic or fatigued. If other crew members assist
from the swim step, make sure they are connected to
the boat with harnesses or some means of attachment.
Be aware of the violent motions of the swim
platform in rough seas.
Injuries can result in the up-and-down motion of a stern
swim platform.
The Lifesling2 is designed to lift the POB on board in rough
conditions with the use of a variety of lifting devices which
must be supplied by the user.
• Boats with a superstructure such as a flybridge, or strong
tower can use a lifting tackle to hoist the victim aboard.
For block and tackle, we suggest using at least a 5:1
using large sheaves and 3/8” or thicker line for ease of
handling (West Marine Model 595720 / LIFE#C-TACKLE
5:1). Be sure to practice and familiarize yourself with
this equipment
• Larger yachts and commercial vessels can use
power-assisted hoists, cranes, powerblocks, or whatever
is available.
For more information on block and tackle hoists,
see page 7.
Do not use other than the recommended techniques
without thorough testing with someone in the open water.
It is up to you, the skipper to figure out what lifting
method works for your boat...then try it out to make sure
it does work.
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Correct
Incorrect
Setting Up The Lifesling2
Mount the Lifesling2 on a rail using the three velcro
straps attached to the bag to mount the bag inside of the
stern railing or pulpit. For added strength, make sure to
have the velcro completely overlap each other.
When installing the Lifesling2, tie and seize the
nylon-covered end of the polypropylene retrieval to any
strong point on board. Seizing is necessary to prevent
knots in the Lifesling2 line from coming undone. The
Lifesling2, similar to an anchor, will be useless if the end
of the retrieval is not fastened to the boat! Do not remove
the nylon cover. It is there to protect the polypropylene
line from degradation from the sun. Make sure that none
of the retrieval line is exposed to the sun or it will weaken.
Retrieval Line Storage
Remember, your Lifesling2 is like a parachute...it works
only when you pack it correctly!
1. Your Lifesling2 has been packed so that it is ready
for use.
However, we strongly encourage you to remove
the Lifesling2 and retrieval line and re-pack it so
that you and your crew will understand proper
line storage and be assured of proper packing.
2. To repack the Lifesling2: The nylon covered end of the
line will remain outside of the case or bag. Stuff the line
into the pouch of the bag beginning with the portion
nearest the nylon covered end and finishing with the
Lifesling2 end. STUFF, DO NOT COIL the line twelve
inches at a time. Continue until you reach the Lifesling2.
Place the Lifesling2 into the case with its front bolsters
on either side of the pouch of stuffed line.
Do not make the mistake of starting at the sling end
when stuffing the line in the pouch of the bag. Do
not coil the line before stowing it or it will jam in
the container.
3. Make sure that the nylon covered end of the
line is securely tied to a strong point on the
boat.
If there is a need to undo the retrieval line loop that runs
through the webbing loops of your Lifesling2, whether to
adjust the size of the loop, or to repair the Lifesling2, be
sure to permanently seize the bowline with stout thread
exactly as shown here to prevent slipping when you re-tie it.
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Bag
65' of 5/16"
diameter yacht
braid
Bottom block (red)
Carabiner
Top block (blue)
Nylon snap
Draw-string
Fig. 1
Hoisting Tackle Instructions
The Lifesling2 is designed to lift the POB on board in rough
conditions with the use of a variety of lifting devices which
must be supplied by the user.
STORAGE: If you use a block and tackle, we recommend
that you “two-block” and fake the line bitter end first in a
small storage bag to reduce the chance of fouling and to
ease the line running through the blocks (Fig. 1).
PROCEDURE: At dock, or even better, at sea, practice
rigging and know the proper leads. Improper handling
can cause tangling, and delay rescue.
1. Pull the victim to the boat and secure the retrieval line
2. Grab the block and tackle and snap the bag onto the
lifelines next to the victim
For 3:1 block and tackle:
(WM Model 561100 / LIFE#W-TACKLE 3:1)
3. Open the sack and pull out the block with the carabiner
and snap it to the loop that runs through the webbing
loops of the sling.
4. Secure the top block outside of the life lines to any
convenient halyard.
5. Hoist the top block at least 10 feet above the deck. The
stuffed line should pull right out of the sack (Fig. 2).
6. Lead the tail of the hoisting line through the boat’s jib
lead block or other fair-leading deck block to a winch.
7. Using the power of your winch plus the mechanical
advantage of your 3:1 hoisting tackle, haul the victim
aboard (Fig. 3).
For 5:1 block and tackle:
(WM Model 595720 / LIFE#C-TACKLE 5:1)
3(a). Open the sack and pull out the 2-blocks. Fasten the
block with cam cleat (top block) to a strong lifting
point around 6-10 feet off the deck (if to a halyard,
hoist block around 10 feet above the deck).
4(a). After releasing the rope from the cam cleat, pull the
bottom block away from the 2-block position, lead
the bottom block outside the rails, and snap the
block’s carabiner to the loop of the retrieval line of
the sling.
5(a). Pull on the tail of the hoisting line...make sure the line
is wedged in the cam cleat so that if your hands let go,
the victim will not fall back into the water. Hoist the
victim aboard (Fig. 4).
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
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ACCESSORY LIST:
Storage bag, white WM Model 595704 / LIFE#B-BAGII-WH
Block and tackle, 3:1 WM Model 561100 / LIFE#W-TACKLE 3:1
Block and tackle, 5:1 WM Model 595720 / LIFE#C-TACKLE 5:1
Hypothermia or rapid cooling of the overboard victim accounts for many fatalities at sea,
even in temperate climates. A decrease of less than 10 degrees F (5 degrees C) in body core
temperature can occur within 15 minutes resulting in confusion, incoordination, weakness,
hallucination and coma - all complicating rescue efforts. Treatment of moderate hypother-
mia requires immediate measures: dry victim thoroughly, passive heat transfer from others’
body heat, pile with blankets, insist on immobility and warming long after victim feels nor-
mal. No liquids, stimulants, alcohol or hot foods. Assess for injuries. Inform emergency
facilities - evacuation and hospitalization may be advised. Ref: Current Medical Diagnosis
and Treatment.
The skipper is legally responsible for the safety of the people on
board. Conditions differ, therefore these instructions should be
taken as suggestions which cannot cover every circumstance.
WEST MARINE, manufacturer of this LIFESLING2 device, warrants that if used
and stored according to directions, it will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of its retail sale.
This warranty shall be limited to the repair and, as necessary, replacement of
parts, and any necessary labor and services required to repair or replace any
parts, necessary to render the device free of defects.The sole obligation of
WEST MARINE shall be the repair or replacement of LIFESLING2, and under
no circumstances shall WEST MARINE, its agents, or successors, be liable for any
direct, consequential or other damages arising out of any claimed defect in the
device or the method of its use.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED,WHETHER RELATING TO FITNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, OR
OTHERWISE. Except as to the express warranty set forth above, the manufacturer
DISCLAIMS any and all warranties and representations relating to the product.
500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076
www.westmarine.com
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