SeaHelp News

Airbags for the water: Small throwable rescue devices – pros and cons

Small, compact water rescue devices are on the rise. But what are these modern aids, now offered by various companies, really good for? And who are they suitable for?

Throwable life-saving devices such as the self-inflating life buoy from Plastimo or the Restube from the company of the same name are modern, compact water rescue aids. They are designed to enable fast and efficient rescue in the water, both for self-rescue and for assisting others.

But if you are planning to purchase one of these devices, there are a few things you should consider. We took a closer look at two products currently on the market.

The self-inflating horseshoe buoy, which weighs just 1.62 kg, is now a classic in the French company Plastimo’s catalog: “Inflatable Horseshoe Buoy“. According to the manufacturer, the 49 cm high and 13 cm wide device (price approx. 119.99 euros) is ready for immediate use: if a man (or woman) goes overboard, you simply throw the box, which is connected to the boat by a line, in the direction of 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 flash lamp, retro-reflective strips, floating anchor, lifeline) in a matter of seconds. According to the manufacturer, the buoy has a buoyancy of 150N and can also be equipped with an emergency light if desired.

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 Restube extreme” from Restube GmbH in Berghausen-Pfinztal, Germany, works on the same principle and has been designed for ‘harsh conditions’, according to the manufacturer. The rescue device (price: 99.95 euros) is ‘perfect for kitesurfing, stand-up paddling (river & waves), windsurfing and more’.

 

YouTube

Mit dem Laden des Videos akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzerklärung von YouTube.
Mehr erfahren

Video laden

 

One major difference between the Restube “airbag for water” and the Plastimo horseshoe buoy is that the former inflates instantly when the trigger is pulled, while the latter requires a special pin to prevent it from opening accidentally.

The Restube rescue thrower must be triggered mechanically by a hand pull.

Another difference: when the mechanism is triggered by the manual pull, the yellow Restube inflates in seconds – not in the shape of a horseshoe, but in the form of an elongated buoy measuring 65 x 13 cm. This should then be able to provide sufficient buoyancy for an adult with 75N.

Both throwable rescue devices have in common that they are compact and lightweight. The Plastimo buoy can be attached to the railing of a boat to save space, and the Restube can even be carried in a pocket on a belt without any problems. Both systems are reusable; they can be used again immediately once a new CO₂ cartridge (as in automatic life jackets) has been inserted.

Both devices are also easy to use and therefore suitable for inexperienced rescuers. They can be quickly grasped and thrown with one hand, which saves time. Finally, both systems should be able to provide enough buoyancy to keep an adult person afloat. The bright colors of the buoys ensure good visibility, which facilitates the rescue.

The advantages of small throwable life-saving devices are also offset by some serious disadvantages.

However, the advantages mentioned are also offset by some serious disadvantages that should definitely be considered when purchasing them. For one thing, throwable life-saving devices are not approved as a replacement for life jackets. And for longer stays in the water, comfort can be limited.

They are more like buoyancy aids, suitable for personal watercraft, 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, which are designed for use 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 sailing boat and the sailor falls unconscious into the water). The Plastimo Horseshoe Rescue Buoy also reacts to tension – it is not designed to be activated automatically on contact with water, as in the case of life jackets.

It should also be noted that both devices require regular and careful inspection and maintenance, in particular with regard to the replacement of CO₂ cartridges.

Small, compact throwable life-saving devices are in no way comparable to a full-fledged life jacket.

The systems mentioned thus represent a practical and innovative addition to the safety equipment for smaller boats (Plastimo) and for various water sports activities (surfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, Restube) – no more and no less.

They impress with their compactness, flexibility and ease of use. However, they do not replace certified life jackets and, like lifejackets, require careful maintenance. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, they are approved, but only as “supplementary safety measures”.

More articles and links on the topic of “Safety on board”:

Training for the emergency: Special maritime safety training train skipper and crew for proper behavior in an emergency

Distress signaling devices (Part 1): The safe storage of signal pistols caliber 4 on board

Sea emergency signaling equipment (Part 2): Acquisition and handling of 4-gauge signal pistols on board

Life-saving technology at sea: How does an Emergency Position-Indicating Radiobeacon Station (EPIRB) actually work?

Wikipedia: Safety equipment on boats

SeaHelp Service
Für tagesaktuelle Kraftstoffpreise
bitte hier klicken!
SeaHelp Service

Push Service & Newsletter

Advertising

SeaHelp Neueste Artikel

SeaHelp

Coronavirus Current

[ulc id="30297" taxs="576" posts_per_page="-1" order_by="title" order="ASC" cols="1" layout_style="minimal"]
SeaHelp News

Related Posts