Ease of use: The surest way to keep in touch with a boat while in the water is to stay in touch. Should a boat drift away a simple tether line running between a person in the water and the boat offers a life-saving link. A rescue heaving line is my linkage of choice. I will shout it from the highest mast: next to life jackets, a rescue heaving line is the most important safety flotation device a boater can carry. Coast Guard rescue boats carry a 70-foot, 3/8-inch braided synthetic line with a floatation ball at the end, made by Lifesaving Systems. It's an absolute must, weather it be for a 60-foot yacht or a 16-foot outboard. It's easy to stow, it's easy to toss for distance, it's easy to retrieve, and it floats. I too prefer Lifesaving System's rescue heaving line because of its ease of use. You can toss it over or under hand, quickly retrieve it and retoss.

A real safety feature of the line is that you retrieve a person in the water (PIW) at a distance without having to engage the engine and thus avoid prop strike, or striking the PIW with the boat. The leaving line also provides a quick means to reach a PIW, especially in an emergency.

Stowing tips: The rescue heaving line and bag can be readily attached to a lifeline or hand rail. I prefer coiling the heaving line in two sections then velcroing the coiled sections. That way it is ready to deploy and the coiled velcroed sections will prevent it from tangling in the storage bag. Just peel off the Velcro tape and it's ready to toss. Also note that I have marked the knotted bitter end red so it can be easily identified.

To order: Must order by telephone, call Lifesaving Systems at 1-813-645-2748. Order # 227-R (boat smart discount). Credit cards are accepted. The rescue heaving line is not sold in retail stores. Total cost is $38.50 plus shipping.