Abstract: A garment is provided for deterring a physical assault on a wearer and creating evidence of the assault, comprising a vest having visual indicia affixed thereto, such as the word “Evidence”, displaying that the vest may be used as evidence in a criminal investigation. A dye release system containing a permanent and luminescent dye is affixed to the vest, which can be activated by the wearer prior to or during an assault. The dye is caused to be forcefully ejected from the dye release system, thereby contaminating the vest, the wearer, the assailant and the place where the assault took place. Preferably, the vest includes an electronic locating device, such as a sonic transmitter or GPS transmitter. Also, the vest preferably includes an audible alarm, a canine-detectable scent, and fingerprint susceptible surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A line throwing device having a throwing basket mounted onto a handle, the throwing basket retaining a float and line, where the throwing basket is provided with a slot extending from the open end of the throwing body toward the handle, such that the line extends through the slot for rapid retrieval and subsequent throw of a thrown float, and where the slot also provides for drainage of the device.

Abstract: A reflective rescue signaling device for revealing a specific location of a person in distress from a distance, which includes a buoyant container (30) provided with an attachment ring (38) to which a lid (50) is removably attached. The container is equipped with an attaching loop (42) having a bore (44) for fastening the container to an object or onto a person. The lid has a handle (70) on one side and a spindle (58) on the other to which a length of reflective tape (94) is rolled. The tape is attached on one end to the spindle and on the other to an inside surface of the container such that when the lid is removed the reflective tape may be unrolled from the spindle and thrown or dropped into the water When on land the tape may be manually unrolled and placed in an open clearing or on top of vegetation for visual recognition and identification from a distance or to indicate direction.

Abstract: An improved rescue device includes a floatation material, a flexible mesh disposed about the floatation material wherein the flexible mesh is in contact with an outer surface of the floatation material, and a bonding material covering the flexible mesh and the floatation material. The floatation material is a closed cell foam material, the flexible mesh is a nylon mesh, and the bonding material is a polyvinyl chloride paint. The rescue device may also include a tow line affixed to one end thereof and a plurality of rings arranged along the length of the tow line. A harness may be coupled to one end of the tow line and a securement device may be coupled to the tow line to retain the tow line in a compressed state. The securement device may be a collar which fastens upon itself by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Onboard device for the recovery of a person overboard permitting self-recovery by a conscious victim.

Abstract: The flotation cushion with deployable tether is generally the contour shape of a cushion without tether. A pocket is formed in the flotation cushion to conform to existing cushion structures. The tether is stored in the pocket in a manner to minimize bulging. With the tether attached at one end to the flotation cushion interior to the pocket, the flotation cushion may be thrown to a person in need of rescue while the user is grasping the tether at its free end. When the person to be rescued grabs the flotation cushion the tether may be used to retrieve the person and cushion.

Abstract: A novel life-saving device comprising a buoyant disk having a top side, a bottom side, a leading edge and a cavity on the bottom side along and adjacent to the leading edge, the cavity having an inner side generally parallel to the leading edge the inner side having an upper edge and a lower edge and a length of line affixed through and about the center of the buoyant disk generally parallel to the leading edge and disposed around the inner side of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention regards personal rescue devices for use by individuals separated from watercraft in open water. Provided are an inflation valve and rescue device having high reliability and insensitivity to environmental conditions. The inflation valve includes a fusible element, such as a stainless steel wire, which is fused or broken by application of an electrical current. Prior to use, the fusible element retains a trigger in a position to prevent a penetrator from releasing compressed gas from a gas canister. Upon activation and breaking of the fusible element, the penetrator is forced into the gas canister releasing gas to inflate the rescue device. The rescue device is retained within a deployment canister having a cover that is easily sealed and resealed to ease maintenance and operation. The rescue device is incorporated into a remotely activated rescue system including a miniature radio frequency transmitter which may be worn on a user's body such as on a wrist strap.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable personal flotation device for waterborne vessels consisting of a top half and a bottom half joined together at the center by a spacer to form a spool for winding a rope around the spacer for storage. The device is made from USCG approved plastic materials.

Abstract: A water or land rescue system is provided which includes a spring loaded firearm and rescue device. The firearm includes a barrel, a shoulder stock and a trigger. The rescue device is adapted to be releasably secured to one end of the spring situated within the firearm. The system further includes a supply of safety line having one end secured to the firearm and a second end secured to the rescue device. The spring is adapted to be releasably locked in a loaded position so that when the trigger is depressed, the restoring forces of the spring cause the rescue device to be propelled into the air carrying the supply line therewith toward a rescue victim.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seating substrate, an outer seat covering, and a housing containing an integrated self-inflating floatation device. The self-inflating flotation device includes one or more inflatable flotation bladders and an inflator that is activated to automatically inflate the one or more inflatable flotation bladders when the seat or a vehicle to which it is attached is immersed in water. The one or more inflatable flotation bladders are releasably received and secured within the housing when the bladders are deflated. The housing is received within the vehicle seat such that upon activation of the inflator the one more inflatable flotation bladders inflate and are completely released and detached from the housing and from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: When a person 55 having a portable transmitter 41 hanging from his neck happens to fall into water, the self-contained sensor detects invasion of water into the transmitter 41 to send a water-detection signal to the on board transmitter-and-receiver system 42. The engine drive control 45 is connected to the on board transmitter-and-receiver system 42A, controlling the engine 47 so as to make the boat 46 retrace the way to the accidental point at which the transmitter wearer 55 fell into water, so that the boat 46 may stop close to him on water. The transmitter-and-receiver system 42 is equipped with a GSP system, so that it may inform selected people of predetermined addresses of the time and the place at which the person fell into water via a selected local station 202 by wireless. A life-saving article such as a life belt is made to fall onto water, and a rope ladder may be hang on the side of the boat 46 to permit the person to return to the boat by climbing the rope ladder.

Abstract: A rescue clamp rescues precariously located victims, such as swimmers in water, such as seas, rivers, streams, ponds or swimming pools, climbers in deep ravines, persons on top of a burning building or persons fallen down a well. The rescue clamp includes an orifice clamp into which a victim inserts the hand and forearm. A trigger is activated by being in spring loaded physical contact with a user's forearm or is activated when a trigger handle is grabbed by the victim's hand, to cause the clamp to snugly engage and grip around the victim's wrist or forearm. The rescue clamp grips the wrist or forearm by off-centered hour glass shaped jaws that rotate in unison to reduce the size of the orifice therebetween.

Abstract: A rescue clamp rescues precariously located victims, such as swimmers in water, such as seas, rivers, streams, ponds or swimming pools, climbers in deep ravines, persons on top of a burning building or persons fallen down a well. The rescue clamp includes an orifice clamp into which a victim inserts the hand and forearm. A handle trigger is grabbed by the victim's hand, to cause the clamp to snugly engage and grip around the victim's wrist or forearm. The rescue clamp grips the wrist or forearm by off-centered hour glass shaped jaws that rotate in unison to reduce the size of the orifice therebetween. To facilitate rotation, there is an eccentric off-center cam motion of the clamping jaws contributing to a grasping action in general. The clamping jaws automatically tighten around a victim's wrist or forearm.

Abstract: A rescue clamp rescues precariously located victims, such as swimmers in water, such as seas, rivers, streams, ponds or swimming pools, climbers in deep ravines, persons on top of a burning building or persons fallen down a well. The rescue clamp includes an orifice clamp into which a victim inserts the hand and forearm. A trigger is activated by being in spring loaded physical contact with a user's forearm or is activated when a trigger handle is grabbed by the victim's hand, to cause the clamp to snugly engage and grip around the victim's wrist or forearm. The rescue clamp grips the wrist or forearm by off-centered hour glass shaped jaws that rotate in unison to reduce the size of the orifice therebetween.

Abstract: A neutral buoyancy recovery device (NBRD) for retrieving an immobile object or incapacitated individual from a liquid area which utilizes neutral buoyancy to assist a rescuer. The NBRD is easily submerged under the surface of the liquid and placed under an object to be recovered. At least one bladder attached to the NBRD is inflated to create positive buoyancy and propel the object to the liquid surface. The bladder(s) is located in a space between two panels, which are connected to form one unit. The bladder(s) inflated manually or by using compressed gas canisters. Various straps and ropes are used to stabilize the object or individual as the NBRD is maneuvered through the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An improvement in a snowmobile comprising an inflatable bladder in an initial folded and un-inflated conditioned, operably connected to the frame of the snowmobile by at least one flexible strap and operably connected to an inflation medium controlled by a deployment system. In response to detection of water submersion, the deployment system activates the inflation medium rapidly inflating the bladder, which releases from its folded, un-inflated condition and floats at the surface of the water with the snowmobile suspended and submerged below the inflated bladder, still connected to the bladder by the at least one flexible strap. When submerged the float acts as a recovery device for retrieving the snowmobile and a rescue device for the rider to climb up on. The submerged snowmobile further stabilizes the bladder by acting as a sea anchor.

Abstract: A high floating rescue pylon with a passenger compartment at the top and a long narrow portion of the pylon above water with a submerged buoyancy compartment located on the pylon a distance above a ballast chamber at the lower end of the pylon. The unsubmerged portion of the pylon is designed to be high enough to clear the tallest wave crest. The buoyancy compartment is designed to be below water at all times and high enough above the ballast chamber that a pylon righting moment is created by a couple between the center of buoyancy of that chamber and the center of gravity of the ballast chamber. This righting moment is made great enough to create a stable passenger compartment high above the highest waves.

Abstract: A protective body heat retaining pod that is carried in a folded condition within a pod containment envelope at the rear of a personal floatation device (i.e. a lifejacket) so as to be accessible to and worn over the lifejacket by both civilian and military personnel who find themselves in or about to enter a cold water environment while awaiting rescue from an emergency situation. A hood to be pulled over the head of the wearer is carried in a rolled up condition within a fold-over collar of the lifejacket. The protective pod creates a sealed chamber around the wearer within which a small volume of water is trapped and heated by the wearer's body heat to slow a drop in the wearer's body temperature to better enable him to survive his environment while awaiting rescue.

Abstract: A composite material with high resistance to impact energy, comprising an expanded polymer selected among polystyrene, polypropylene, copolymer of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene and mixtures thereof, dispersed in a resin chosen among melaminic resin, phenolic resin and polyurethane resin and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.

Abstract: An improved rescue device includes a floatation material, a flexible mesh disposed about the floatation material wherein the flexible mesh is in contact with an outer surface of the floatation material, and a bonding material covering the flexible mesh and the floatation material. The floatation material is a closed cell foam material, the flexible mesh is a nylon mesh, and the bonding material is a polyvinyl chloride paint. The rescue device may also include a tow line affixed to one end thereof and a plurality of rings arranged along the length of the tow line. A harness may be coupled to one end of the tow line and a securement device may be coupled to the tow line to retain the tow line in a compressed state. The securement device may be a collar which fastens upon itself by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: An avalanche life jacket having an airbag inflatable by a gas release system upon actuation is disclosed. The life jacket provides a torso strap and buckles for attaching the life jacket to the user. Prior to inflation, the airbag is folded and enclosed within the harness. The harness encloses the airbag via an enclosure mechanism which opens during inflation of the airbag to allow the airbag to fully expand. The life jacket further comprises a gas release system which may be automatically actuated by an accelerometer and/or manually actuated by the user's pulling of a release handle. Upon actuation, the gas release system releases gas into and inflates the airbag. The airbag inflates to surround at least the back and sides of the user's head to thereby provide physical protection and a thermal buffer between a portion of the user and the external environment, for example, during and after an avalanche and to facilitate search and rescue of the user after the avalanche.

Abstract: An avalanche life saving system has at least one inflatable buoyancy body of balloon design secured close to a user's body, a filling unit, a compressed gas unit with a compressed gas container and a release mechanism capable of actuation without a tool and attached to said compressed gas unit via a quick coupling and a release tubing. Compressed gas is transmitted to the buoyancy body via the filling unit upon actuation of the release mechanism. Actuation of the release mechanism produces a controlled pressure wave, which starts the flow of compressed gas from the compressed gas container to the filling unit.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is configured and sized so that it is adapted to be positioned beneath a person's body to cause the person to be suspended in equilibrium in a partially-submerged state. The device includes a ring-shaped body and a plurality of side floats extending radially away from the ring-shaped body.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver with his/her airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The scuba diver retains full control and responsibility for conversion of the equipment from face down flotation into face up flotation. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state, close to the diver's longitudinal axis of rotation. Once released, the counterweight drops away from neutralized central attachment near the diver's axis of rotation out towards the counterweight's posterior attachment point. The counterweight then becomes capable of actively rolling the distressed diver's face out of the water into the heads up position.

Abstract: An elongate, flexible tether line connects to a life jacket a large, brightly-colored balloon that is easy for a rescuer to observe when it is inflated and floating in a body of water. The balloon is stored within an internal cavity of the life jacket in a deflated condition and is inflated upon removal from the cavity. A first end of the tether line is secured to a liner that forms a pocket in the internal cavity so that when the balloon is fully deployed, the liner is turned inside-out to prevent water from the external environment from entering into the internal cavity. A funnel is formed in the balloon and is in fluid communication with a downspout that is in fluid communication with a reservoir formed in the balloon. The funnel collects rainwater and the reservoir stores the rainwater. A drinking spout enables a user to consume the stored water as needed.

Abstract: A swimmer's safety device including a casing having a top surface with a plurality of perforations to allow water to enter once submerged, and having a deflectable membrane along with a plunger to penetrate a dye material and puncture a rupturable bottom surface to release the dye into the water, once the casing is submerged to a depth predetermined aforehand, and for a time interval set in accordance with the skills of the swimmer, as well. The casing, in accordance with the invention, could be incorporated as part of a swimsuit construction, could be temporarily secured to the swimsuit of a wearer, or could be worn as a swimsuit accessory as a wristband, armband, headband, or necklace.

Abstract: A marine escape system has a passage extending between an evacuation point on a vessel and an inflatable life raft. The passage is arranged vertically and is connected to a succession of hoops. The connection between at least one of the hoops and the life raft is achieved by flexible elongate members of differing flexibility These are held in tension so that, as the life rafts move on swell, the passage extends and retracts from the lower end first. This allows the passage to have only one exit which can be within a life raft so that persons can evacuate from the ship without ever being exposed to the elements. The passage may include a helical tube or a tube with angled panels.

Abstract: A rescue device, and man overboard device for use therewith, is adapted for use with a ship to rescue individuals floating at sea and may comprise a lifting crane, and a plurality of fasteners, rope-like elements and connectors. The lifting crane includes a crane beam having a proximal end mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical crane axis and extends laterally from the proximal end to terminate at a free end. The fasteners are attached to the crane beam and may be equidistantly distributed therealong. Each of the rope-like elements has a first end portion adapted for attachment to a respective one of the fasteners and extends therefrom to terminate at a free distal end. Each connector, such as a hoisting strap, is operative to connect to the free distal end of an associated rope-like element and securely engage an individual in need of rescue so that the individual can be lifted out of the sea by the lifting crane.

Abstract: Compact and light weight deployable flotation devices with improved elasticity, tensile strength, shear strength, and puncture resistance using higher quality materials and sequencing of layers of polymer coating with greater mechanical strength in outer layers, and improved impermeability to gas leakage from within. The flotation devices are folded in containers with the containers having an integral gas supply cannister for use in a vehicle or vessel and for portability. The flotation devices are deployed by inflation by means of mechanical pull cord, automatically by float switches, hydrostatic release, electronic panic buttons, or switches used with a pyrotechnic release valve mechanism, or by pyrotechnic inflators. Restraining mechanisms form part of inflatable bag construction for permanent mounting in a vehicle or vessel. A protective cover enshrouds the inflatable bag and its integral restraining mechanism, the shroud being able to expand at the end of bag inflation.

Abstract: A floating child seat assembly is disclosed and includes a chair member having a seat portion and a backrest portion perpendicularly depending therefrom. Upper and lower inflatable flotation devices are secured to each side of the chair member to suspend the chair member on the surface of a body of water. A weight is secured to the bottom surface of the seat portion to maintain the chair member in an upright position. The backrest portion has a pair of opposing adjustable straps extending therefrom for securing the child within the chair member. An umbrella is removably secured to the backrest portion to shield a child from sunlight.

Abstract: A method is presented for detecting a body at sea. A lidar system provided nboard an aircraft transmits radiation at a wavelength in the blue/green region of the energy spectrum towards the surface of the sea. The lidar system is tuned to receive return reflections occurring over a specified wavelength range. A shaped area located near the body is designed to inhibit any return reflections that would be detectable by the lidar system. The shaped area defines a shape that is abnormal for the area of the sea being searched and defines a size that is larger than the body. The presence of the body is indicated by a null return corresponding to the shape and size of the shaped area.

Abstract: A new dummy for water rescue practice for facilitating the honing by sailors of skills necessary for the successful rescue of a person fallen overboard. The inventive device includes a hollow, air-tight head portion having a top section, a neck section, and a bottom section, the neck section being disposed intermediate the top section and the bottom section, a pole having an upper section and a lower section, the pole upper section being perpendicularly and fixedly attached to a bottom section lower portion, a weight fixedly attached to the pole lower section, and a rope releasably attachable to the bottom section.

Abstract: A boat hull having a bow (11), a stern (12), a bottom (14) extending between the bow (11) and stern (12), a deck (15) and a space under the deck (15) between the bow (11), stern (12) and bottom (14) which provides buoyancy for the hull, the space above the deck (15) being bounded by bulwarks (16) which surround the deck (15), at least one panel (18) located to one side of the hull which is hingedly supported about an axis (19) substantially parallel with the deck (15) to be movable between a first position at which the panel (18) forms a portion of the side of the hull and at least a portion of the panel (18) forms a part of a bulwark (16) and a second position at which the panel (18) extends outwardly from the side of the deck (15), and is rigidly retained in the second position, said panel (18) being buoyant.

Abstract: An inflatable ice mud water rescue craft has an inflatable closed-loop tube that encircles a floor member and two rescue openings, one inboard at the bow and one inboard at the stern of the craft. Preferably the floor member is inflatable. The tube and floor member form the boundaries for the two rescue openings. The tube turns upward fore and aft of the floor member at an angle in the range of 30 to 65 degrees relative to the plane of the floor member and encircles the rescue openings. The tube and rescue openings at the bow and stern arch more than half as high as the overall beam of the craft above the surface of the rescue scene. Drowning victims or imperiled persons may be brought into the craft through the rescue openings.

Abstract: An automatic controller for the helm of a watercraft uses sensors responsive to starboard and port contacts, with the predominating of the starboard and port contacts signalling the heeling of the watercraft. A transmitter attached to the person of the operator of the vessel is triggered should the operator fall into the water, to transmit a signal to the receiver attached to the electronic controller and thereby cause the watercraft to turn into the wind and prevent the distance between the vessel and the overboard person from increasing.

Abstract: A buoyant aquatic life-saving assembly including a portable waist belt having a plurality of storage pouches in which rescue gear is stored and from which the gear may be released during emergencies. At least one storage pouch houses an inflatable life belt designed to encircle an individual during water rescue and which incorporates a lift harness and a second pouch contains a throw line adapted to allow both fixed anchoring of the rescue gear or casting of the inflatable life belt. In a preferred embodiment, one or more storage pouches are on the buoyant waist encircling belt for storing additional rescue equipment.

Abstract: A self erecting personal water safety device includes a marker device having a flag portion and a base portion normally in the collapsed state; an erection chamber in the flag portion and a compressible storage chamber in the base portion for storing an actuating fluid and interconnected with the erection chamber for compressing when submerged in water to transfer fluid to the erection chamber and erect the flag portion.

Abstract: A man overboard rescue device comprises a sheet-like lifting harness having an effective shape as defined by a top, a first foot and a second foot with each of the top. Each of the first foot and the second foot including means for securing each foot to a stationary part of a vessel. The top of the lifting harness including means for connecting the lifting harness to a halyard for moving the lifting harness top relative to the first foot and the second foot. The lifting harness in an area associated with the top thereof being formed at least in part from a mesh-like material which is capable of passing substantially freely through water.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a life-saving device with launcher which provides for the automatic inflation of the float by simply acting on a lever. The mechanism is comprised of a gas tank or similar integral at its top portion with the float so that said tank is traversed by a hollow cut-off cock whose lower end projects from the container or tank and is terminated by the lever, the upper end being introduced inside the float and the gas penetrating through the hollow tube of said cock. Integral with the assembly is provided a ring which is connected to the rolled-up cable which is itself integral with the launcher, the latter being provided with a gun wherein is introduced the life-saving assembly in order to launch it to a major distance.

Abstract: Victim snare pole includes a substantially stiff, elongate member having two opposing ends, on at least one end of which are provided a rearward facing hook and a non-sliding snare loop. Other feature(s) such as light(s) may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the pole is substantially non-reactive with respect to the victim and the surrounding area where a rescue would be attempted.

Abstract: An inflatable rescue pontoon for performing multiple water rescue operations comprises an elongate shell having a plurality of longitudinally extending individual sections. The plurality of individual sections includes a bow section. The bow section is the forwardmost individual section and is hydrodynamically shaped to enhance maneuverability of the pontoon in water. Valve means communicate with the shell for selectively inflating and deflating the pontoon.

Abstract: An emergency air system for enabling kayakers to use air from air bags during emergency situations is disclosed. The air system comprises a kayak having a front end and a rear end with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The kayak also includes an opening for receiving a kayaker, the interior surface having an upper region with a space behind the user. A pair of airbags of a similar configuration are provided, each airbag having an input valve for filling the bags and each airbag having an air outlet orifice for providing air to the kayaker. Next provided is a walled container which has a flap at the front with a fastener for selectively opening and closing the front of the container. The container is adapted to receive and support the airbags and is secured to the kayak. A mouthpiece having an associated valve movable between an open position and a closed position is further provided as well as tubing coupling the air output orifices to each other and to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An inflatable bag which can be attached to an ordinary ladder quickly and easily. Also, the bag can be used to secure multiple ladders together, thereby extending the distance a rescue team can go in order to rescue a victim. Also, since most fire department rescue teams already have ladders attached to their vehicles, the inflatable bags will not take up much of their valuable storage space. The bags can be inflated by a valve similar to a vehicle, or it can have a self inflating mechanism similar to an inflatable life boat. This means a substantial savings in time to assemble the equipment.

Abstract: A child- or infant-sized safety seat is disclosed with relatively horizontal seat and relatively vertical back support elements designed with flotation effecting materials sufficient to keep said child or infant at the water's surface and with critically positioned and apportioned (relative to the weight of the back and seat support elements and the anticipated weight of the child) counter-weight effecting materials to result in that portion of the vertical back support element supporting the child's head and shoulders well above the water's surface. The safety seat is preferably constructed by injecting a semi-rigid, resilient polyurethane foam into a die cast mold into which the weight materials have been pre-positioned to result in the up-righting of the safety seat at the water's surface, and the foam, upon rising and curing, forms around the weighted material to fix its position.

Abstract: A patrol or rescue boat that is formed with a catamaran hull so as to provide a generally open deck area that extends through the rear of the transom for facilitating the transfer of injured persons onto the deck area from the body of water. In addition, a removable front deck is also provided. The rear deck has a pivotal portion so as to facilitate transfer of injured persons onto the deck and then to form an enclosure so that heated water can be flooded into the deck from the cooling jacket of the engine so as to heat an injured person. A litter is provided that has a pair of side poles and an open netting received on the side poles. The side poles are provided with flotation devices so as to float the body of a victim in the water and so as to facilitate transfer of the victim and litter into the deck area of the patrol boat.

Abstract: A rescue net for providing a means of capturing a human victim immersed in rushing water such as that found in a rapidly flowing river or flash flood area comprising a net having a rectangular border with four corners and a mesh portion extended across and coupled to the border; four rigid metal oval openable carabiners with each carabiner removably secured to a separate corner of the net; four pieces of rope with each piece of rope having a proximal end fastened to a separate carabiner and a distal end holdable by a user for allowing the net to be placed in an extended configuration; and a plurality of battery-powered water-proof strobe lights removably secured to the net.

Abstract: A multiple victim rescue device made of at least three elongate buoyant members each having two ends and at least one planar outer surface. The elongate members can be connected together at their outer planar surface so that one of the elongate members is arranged centrally between the remaining members. A tow line is fixed to one end of the central member and the other end of the central member as well as the ends of the remaining members are provided with either hooks or rings so that the ends can be connected together.

Abstract: Protective mat assemblies are formed from lightweight beads which are secured together in a generally rectangular array. The beads have unobstructed longitudinal central openings to receive a rope. Certain of the beads have permanent rope members including an eyelet at each end of the rope member. The beads are secured by a forming rope which passes alternately through plain beads and through eyelets of second beads. Fastening elements are provided along one side of the resulting rectangular mat.