This is a cleaned-up transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_GlkMCBVYk
UK Sailmakers Presents: The Life Sling – The Safest M.O.B. Recovery Tool
After multiple well-reported incidents of failed man overboard (M.O.B.) recovery attempts, thought leaders in the world of safety at sea are rethinking the best methods for retrieving someone from the water.
The traditional side pickup method—long the primary technique taught—is now being replaced by recoveries using the Life Sling. Your chances of a successful recovery greatly increase when the person is rescued on the first attempt. For this reason, it’s recommended that you turn on your engine immediately. This gives you more control and maneuverability while circling back and approaching the M.O.B.
The Risks of Side Pickups
Here’s some background: The loss of a sailor off a TP52 yacht just after the start of the 2018 Chicago-Mac race highlights how dangerous a side pickup can be in choppy seas. After three failed attempts—one of which actually struck the M.O.B.—the sailor was lost.
A similar incident in Santa Cruz, California showed that reaching over the rail for a side pickup can fail. Hand-to-hand grabs just aren’t reliable. In that case, the crew made physical contact with the M.O.B., but their grip slipped and the sailor was lost.
Key Lessons Learned
Two major lessons emerged from these incidents: 1. Use the engine to return to the person faster. 2. Use the Life Sling, which physically connects you to the M.O.B., increasing your chances of retrieving them on the first pass.
Two Methods to Use the Life Sling
The Life Sling can be used in two ways:
- Traditional Towing Method
Drop the Life Sling over the stern, allowing 150 feet of polypropylene line to pay out. Then, steer around the M.O.B. and bring the towline and the horseshoe float to them. This is similar to bringing a tow rope to a water skier. Instead of needing a pinpoint-accurate approach, the Life Sling gives you a much larger recovery window. The person in the water can let the line run through their hands until the horseshoe collar reaches them.
Once the M.O.B. puts the horseshoe over their shoulders, they’re connected to the boat. You can then stop the boat, pull them in, attach a halyard, and winch them back aboard safely.
- Throw Bag Method (Newer Approach)
There’s also a faster, newer method. Make a tight circle toward the M.O.B., then toss the Life Sling to them as if it were a throw bag. This saves time and avoids the need to circle with a long line. With this method, you can keep the boat 10–15 feet away from the person, which allows you to use the engine without risking injury from the propeller.
Customize Your Life Sling for Better Results
Here’s a tip to make your Life Sling even more effective: Tie a bowline loop in the towline about 10–15 feet from the horseshoe. This lets you attach a halyard before the person is alongside the boat. The less time someone spends in the water next to the boat, the lower their risk of injury. It also prevents you from having to lean over the lifelines—a vulnerable position that increases your own risk of falling overboard.
Rigging and Repacking the Life Sling
The Life Sling comes in a rectangular bag that attaches to the stern pulpit with Velcro straps. These straps hold only the bag—not the person in the water. Be sure to tie the dead end of the line to the base of one of the pulpit struts using a bowline.
The last six feet of the line are covered with protective webbing to shield the polypropylene from UV damage. Only the covered portion of the line should be left outside the bag.
Practice Makes Perfect
We spend time practicing tacks and jibes with new crew before races—so it makes just as much sense to practice Life Sling recoveries at least once a year. On a warm summer day, have someone jump in and try both Life Sling recovery techniques. You’ll be surprised how much you learn.
Repacking the line takes just a few minutes. It’s not hard: Notice the tall pocket in the middle of the bag—this is where you stack the line. Don’t coil it. Instead, start at one end and push the line down on top of itself. Place the legs of the horseshoe float on either side of the pocket.
Remember, it’s important to practice on your own boat, since all boats handle differently—they turn, slow down, and accelerate in unique ways.
And remember: the life you save may be your own.
UK Sailmakers – Sail with Confidence.