Abstract: A lightweight apparatus for lowering a load at a controlled rate utilizes an elongated load-carrying strand and a slider assembly mounted on the strand to support a load for controlled downward sliding movement along the strand. The slider assembly includes a brake which is manually operable to control movement of the slider from a complete stop to substantially free fall conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the brake is spring-loaded to an intermediate position to permit a load to be lowered at a safe, relatively slow rate without actuation of the brake. When such preferred embodiment is used by a person to lower himself, a brake control lever may be manually displaced from the intermediate position to increase or decrease the rate of descent.