New Lifesling® Training Materials

The Lifesling® rescue device was developed by The Sailing Foundation more than 30 years ago and today there are thousands of Lifeslings® aboard boats all around the world. The Lifesling® is still regarded as the best device for rescue of a crew overboard, but to be effective, even a skilled sailing crew needs some training in its use. The Sailing Foundation set a goal this year to produce a new package of training materials on the use of the Lifesling®. This package will include:

1. A stand-alone video to introduce the subject at the start of training sessions. The video will also be packaged with the product and screened in stores;
2. Lecture text for instructors;
3. PowerPoint slides to go with the lecture.

We have drafted the lecture and PowerPoint framework, and, in October, we filmed the video in Santa Cruz, CA. About 15 volunteers were involved with the event, including Andy Anderson – videographer; John Rousmaniere, noted author and lecturer on Safety at Sea and Lifesling® subjects – narrator; Carol Hasse, Port Townsend sailmaker – playing the role of skipper whose partner has fallen overboard; and Ryan Helling and Tad Lhamon – TSF board representatives. Thanks to the efforts of Chuck Hawley, we had a large contingent from West Marine who served as victims, crew members, and support team.

While in Santa Cruz, we produced enough raw footage to build a 12-minute DVD, organized as follows:

1. Introduction
2. 5 minutes - basic Lifesling® rescue upwind, double-handed
3. 2 minutes - doublehanded rescue off the wind
4. 2 minutes - fully crewed rescue, downwind, spinnaker
5. 2 minutes - doublehanded rescue, powerboat.
6. Conclusion

The video is now complete and and can be viewed by clicking here. The Powerpoint slides are being finalized and we're offering our first training clinic on the use of the Lifesling® in September, 2011. Click here for more information on the training clinic.