Small, compact water rescue devices are gaining popularity. But how effective are these modern aids now offered by various companies? And who are they suitable for?
Throwable rescue devices such as the self-inflating life buoy from Plastimo or the Restube from the company of the same name are modern, compact aids for water rescue. They are designed to enable quick and efficient rescue in the water, both for self-rescue and for assisting others.
However, anyone planning to purchase this equipment should bear a few things in mind. We took a closer look at two products currently available on the market.
The self-inflating horseshoe lifebuoy, weighing just 1.62 kg, is now a classic in the catalog of the French company Plastimo. Inflatable Horseshoe Buoy. According to the manufacturer, the device, which is 49 cm high and 13 cm wide (price approx. $119.99), is ready for immediate use: if a man (or woman) falls overboard, simply throw the box, which is connected to the boat by a line, towards the shipwrecked person.
The pull on the line then triggers a CO² cartridge, which automatically inflates a yellow, polyurethane-coated fabric buoy (with whistle, SOLAS flashlight, retro-reflective strips, floating anchor, and rescue line) in a matter of seconds. According to the manufacturer, the buoy has a buoyancy of 150N and can also be supplemented with an emergency light on request.
The smaller and even more compact “Restube extreme” from Restube GmbH in Berghausen-Pfinztal, Germany, works on the same principle and has been designed for “rough conditions,” according to the manufacturer. The rescue device (price: €99.95) is “perfect for kitesurfing, stand-up paddling (river & waves), windsurfing and more.”
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A key difference to the Plastimo horseshoe buoy is that the Restube extreme “airbag for water” inflates when the trigger is pulled directly, and a special split pin closure prevents the bag from opening accidentally.
The Restube rescue device must be triggered mechanically by pulling a handle.
Another difference: when the mechanism is triggered by pulling the handle, the yellow Restube buoy inflates in seconds – but not in a horseshoe shape, rather in the form of an elongated buoy measuring 65 x 13 cm. With 75N, it should then be able to provide sufficient buoyancy for an adult.
Both devices are compact and lightweight. The Plastimo buoy can be attached to the railing of a boat to save space, while the Restube can even be carried in a small pouch on a belt. Both systems are reusable; once a new CO₂ cartridge (as in automatic life jackets) is inserted, they are immediately ready for use again.
Both devices are also easy to use and therefore suitable for untrained rescuers. They can be quickly grabbed and thrown with one hand, which saves time. Finally, both systems should be able to provide enough buoyancy to keep an adult afloat. The bright colors of the buoys ensure good visibility, which makes rescue easier.
The advantages of these small rescue devices are offset by some serious disadvantages
However, the advantages mentioned above are offset by some serious disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing. Firstly, the rescue devices are not approved as a substitute for life jackets. And for longer periods in the water, comfort may be limited.
They are more like swimming aids, suitable for jet skis, inflatable boats, windsurfing, SUP or paddling, and generally for activities where the wearer can expect to end up in the water. They are not life jackets intended for use in situations where a high standard of performance is required.
With Restube, the buoy must be activated manually, which can be difficult in panic situations or in cases of unconsciousness (for example, if the boom hits the head on board a sailboat and the sailor falls unconscious into the water). The Plastimo horseshoe life buoy also reacts to pulling – automatic activation on contact with water, as with life jackets, is not provided here either.
It should also be noted that both devices require regular careful inspection and maintenance, especially with regard to the replacement of CO₂ cartridges.
Small, compact throwable lifesaving devices are in no way comparable to a full-fledged life jacket.
The systems mentioned above are therefore a practical and innovative addition to safety equipment on smaller boats (Plastimo) and for various water sports activities (surfing, kiting, paddling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, Restube) – no more and no less.
They impress with their compactness, flexibility, and ease of use. However, they are not a substitute for certified life jackets and, like these, require careful maintenance. In Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, they are approved, but only as ”supplementary safety measures.”
Restube emphasizes that the Restube Extreme (price: $119.95) is not, by definition, a “throwable” rescue device. This product is intended for recreational use only and is designed to be used in particularly rough conditions, e.g., kite surfing, to provide users with additional safety that can be activated if necessary and then provides additional buoyancy. Furthermore, the Restube Extreme is not generally intended to be “thrown” to someone.
For professional use, Restube offers special products such as the Restube Automatic (price: $99.95). This buoy activates automatically upon contact with water and provides 75N of buoyancy. However, according to the manufacturer, this is not a “throwable” rescue device.
The new Restube Automatic Pro, a buoy with 180N buoyancy that can hold up to 4 people, is available in a bundle with a dry bag (for storage) and a rescue line, which then makes it a “proper” rescue throwing device, according to the manufacturer.
Further articles and links on the topic of “Safety on board”:
Distress signals (Part 1): The safe storage of caliber 4 signal pistols on board
Distress signaling devices (Part 2): Acquisition and handling of caliber 4 signal pistols on board
