Throw rope

Also known as a throw line or a throw bag. A tow rope stuffed into a small stuff sack, with a piece of foam for a float, so that it can be thrown to help a swimming victim.

Whitewater throw ropes should be rescue rope quality. In a whitewater situation the bag should never be thrown unless the thrower is prepared for a swim (wearing a helmet and PFD), or is belayed - in any case it is imperative that the end of the rope be kept clean (free of knots) so that it can be released. The bag should be opened and a length of rope sufficient to wrap around the rescuer's back pulled out. This means that the rope should be tailed (held near the bitter end) with, say, the left hand while the rope is thrown with the right hand. Wrapping the rope across the rescuer's back increases the friction and gives the rescuer greater hold on the rope - both the left and right hands are engaged. This should be practiced before it is needed so that you are proficient at it (remember to lead the swimmer if they are in swift current). The swimmer should also know to grab the rope instead of the bag as there is almost always more rope. Never forget that rope is the most dangerous thing on a river. It can wrap you up and leave you unable to swim. Never throw the bag to a swimmer unless they are prepared for it. In swift current there is no need to pull the swimmer in as they will simply pendulum to shore (and you can't pull them against a swift current anyway).

If you carry a rope to use in moving water, you should always have a knife easily accessible - usually on the front of your PFD. Throw lines should be at least 8mm (3/8") diameter rope, as anything less can cut deeply into hands. It should also be a floating rope (polypropylene is typical) as a sinking rope is more likely to get caught in rocks or other things below the surface.

It is a very good idea to take a swiftwater rescue course if you are going to do any whitewater paddling. These courses teach you the basics of safety and throw/rescue rope use. See also Safety and Rescue Books for swiftwater rescue books.