| Performance Comparison |
| |
Distance & Accuracy |
Flotation Support |
Visibility |
Size & Weight |
| Rescue Stick |
50 - 150 feet
Good accuracy |
35 lb buoyancy
4 grip handles
Horseshoe shape hugs body |
Excellent
Bright yellow and large volume
Reflective tape optional |
14 x 3 inches
1 pound
Fit up to 6 in pack
Easy to stow in vehicle or vessel |
| Rope Bag |
30 - 50 feet
Moderate accuracy |
No buoyancy |
Low |
12 x 6 inches
3 pounds
Fit up to 3 in pack
Easy to stow in vehicle or on vessel |
| Ring Buoy |
20 - 40 feet
Moderate accuracy |
16.5 lb buoyancy
Easy grip |
Good |
30 inch diameter
8 pounds |
| Cushion Type IV |
20 - 40 feet
Moderate accuracy |
18 lb buoyancy
Minimal freeboard |
Moderate to low
depending on color |
14 x 16 inches
2 pounds |
| Rescue Scenario Comparison |
| |
Under Power
or Sail |
Dock, Pier
or Bridge |
Swift Water |
Air |
Beach |
Rescue Stick
|
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
| Ideal for situations where accuracy and distance are required to provide immediate flotation |
Provides flotation and marking until vessel can turn to retrieve victim. |
Can be thrown from higher elevations.
No risk of rope entanglement. |
Flotation stays with victim.
To be followed by secondary retrieval rescue. |
Can be dropped for flotation and marking.
Highly visible. |
Provides flotation until contact can be made with victim.
Flotation aids in victim retrieval. |
| Rope Bag |
Poor |
Moderate |
Moderate |
N/A |
Poor |
| Best used in calm water where victims are capable of floating on their own |
Distance between boat and victim quickly exceeds range.
At 12 knots victim is 100 feet from boat in 5 seconds. |
Good results when victim is less than 60 feet from dock and does not require flotation. |
Prevents victim being swept away with current.
Difficult for victim to grab.
Risk of dragging victim under.
Risk of entanglement. |
|
Provides no flotation.
Good for retrieval after victim is floating. |
| Ring Buoy |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
N/A |
N/A |
| Intended for calm inland water with heavy boat traffic where help is always present |
Provides flotation and marking until vessel can turn to retrieve victim. |
Provides immediate flotation.
Caution required, 8 lb buoy can cause injury. |
Flotation stays with victim.
Heavy and moderate accuracy.
May strike and injure victim. |
|
|
| Cushion Type IV |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Poor |
N/A |
N/A |
| Intended for calm inland water with heavy boat traffic where help is always present |
Provides flotation until vessel can turn to retrieve victim. |
Provides immediate flotation until victim is pulled to safety or directed to point of exit |
Provides minimal flotation. |
|
|
We invite you to tell us about your experiences with the Rescue Stick in different scenarios. Please email us at rescuestick@mustangsurvival.com.
