Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus comprising a scale usable as a life line, the scale comprising a high tensile strength wire with graduations in a longitudinal direction thereof, a drum for winding the metal wire thereonto, a casing accommodating the drum while permitting the same to rotate, a magnifying glass on the casing for allowing the graduations to be read, and a person carrying system. The high tensile strength wire of high tensile strength is formed of a stranded cable formed of a plurality of strands each having a tensile strength of at least 400 kgf/mm.sup.2 such that the high tensile strength wire is capable of suspending a person. The strands have a coat of a synthetic resin covering the strand. The person carrying system is connected to an end of the scale.