Abstract: A waterproof man overboard personal rescue light unit for use in detecting, locating, raging to, engaging, and rescuing personnel needing rescue is disclosed as having a body having a closed lower end and an upper end; a steady state light located proximate to the upper end of the body so as to emit a generally hemispherical light pattern when energized; a non-incandescent strobe light located proximate to the upper end of the body so as to emit a generally hemispherical light pattern when energized; at least one switch for electrically coupling the steady state light and the non-incandescent strobe light to a source of electrical power; a lens matable to the upper end of the body to create a waterproof enclosure defined by the body and the lens, and to permit a generally hemispherical emission pattern of light generated by the steady state light and the non-incandescent strobe light. The unit is preferably buoyant and attachable to a user by way of a tether.

Abstract: A method of rescuing a person who has fallen overboard from a boat, including the following steps. As a first step, promptly after the person has fallen overboard, stopping the boat and deploying into the water a flotation sling on a floating tether line secured to the boat. As a second step, maneuvering the boat in order to progressively circle the person in the water so that the tether line and then the flotation sling are in reach of or contact the person, whereupon the person can place the flotation sling under his arms, and does so. As a third step, essentially stopping the boat. As a fourth step, hauling in the tether line so that the person in the flotation sling is drawn alongside the boat. And, as a fifth step, hoisting the flotation sling and person supported therein out of the water and onboard the boat to complete the rescue.