In Australia, 86 “rescuers” have drowned over 15 years (1992–2007). Many victims
have needlessly drowned simply because of bystander unfamiliarity with the simple
skill of throwing a lifeline or lifebuoy. The basic paradigm of aquatic lifesaving is to
affect a rescue, without placing oneself at risk. Twenty-five fit, untrained adults were
recruited to assess their lifeline throwing abilities. Results from 190 competitors as
participants in the Line Throw events at the National Australian Pool Lifesaving
Competition 2009 were analyzed for speed, efficacy, and accuracy. It takes a medium
time of 35 s for an untrained bystander to throw a lifeline. Only 20% can throw a line
within 2 m of the target at a first attempt. In the heat of the moment, 20% do not
secure the end of the flung rope. Trained children can affect a 10 m accurate throw and
pull a potential victim to safety with a medium elapsed time of 23 s. The Australian
national record for trained lifesavers (adult, 12 meter), is 10.08 s—world record 9.06
s. This simple lifesaving technique, with training in improvisation (e.g., garden
hoses), will undoubtedly save lives.
