Basic Knowledge of Throw Bags: Learn essential throwing techniques, accurate targeting, and quick reload methods for safe rescues

Throwing Techniques and Steps

Preparation

1. Once you reach the throwing position, fully open the drawstring and widen the bag’s top.
2. Loosen all adjustable handles.
3. Do not tightly secure the rope end to your wrist or hand.

Basic Throwing Techniques

• Underhand Throw: Best for short distances and accurate throws.
• Sidearm Throw: Suitable for mid-range throws, especially in areas with obstacles.
• Overhand (Football) Throw: Good for controlled short throws, particularly when throwing from water or in areas with many obstacles.

Choosing the Right Throw

• Football or Overhand Throw:
  • Ideal for short, controlled throws.
  • Works well when standing in water or throwing over obstacles.
• Sidearm Throw:
  • Best when some distance is needed.
  • Requires a good release point and proper angle.

Throwing the Bag to the Victim

• If the victim is floating downstream, throw the bag directly at them.
• It’s okay to aim slightly upstream.
• Instruct the victim to maintain a defensive swimming posture (floating on their back, feet downstream).
• Do not try to lead the victim—throw directly to them.

Dangers of Leading the Victim

Risk:

• If the bag lands too far downstream, the victim may chase it.
• This causes the victim to swim aggressively downstream, increasing danger.

Why It’s Dangerous:

• Aggressive swimming in fast currents is difficult to control.
• The victim could be pulled into more dangerous situations.

Solution:

• Always throw directly to the victim instead of leading them.
• Ensure the bag lands where they can easily grab it.

Victim Instructions:

• Maintain a defensive swimming posture (floating on their back, feet downstream).
• Wait for the bag to reach them—do not chase it.

Underhand Throw Technique

Key Steps & Points

1. Ensure enough space to swing the bag freely.
2. Release point is crucial – aim for a low, controlled trajectory.
3. Avoid a high arc – it takes longer to reach the victim and is more affected by wind.
4. Keep a low release angle so the bag lands just past the victim.
5. Goal: The rope should land over the victim, making it easy for them to grab.

Teaching the Victim How to Secure the Rope

• Instruct the victim to place the rope over their inner shoulder (the one closer to the river’s center).

Why?

• It naturally creates a ferry angle, guiding their head toward the shore.
• The current will push them toward the rescuer.

Problems With the Outer Shoulder Approach

• If the rope is placed over the outer shoulder (closer to the shore), strong currents can cause the victim to fall forward.
• This can result in face submersion, increasing drowning risk.

Training Tips

• Emphasize placing the rope on the inner shoulder.
• Explain how ferry angles help them reach safety.
• Use hands-on demonstrations to reinforce learning.

Blade Technique for Rope Handling

Rope Positioning

• After grabbing the rope, the victim should wrap it around their lower back and opposite hip.

Why?

• Prevents rope entanglement.
• Reduces the risk of being pulled underwater.

Fast Reload & Second Throw

Steps for a Quick Retoss

1. First throw: Aim when the victim is upstream.
2. If you miss: The bag is already open, making a second throw faster.
3. Rope retrieval:
   • Keep holding the rope’s end.
   • You don’t need to pull the entire bag back—just reel in enough rope.
4. Prepare for the second throw:
   • Pull in enough rope to reach the victim.
   • Secure the rope and get ready to throw again.

Training Tips & Best Practices

• Practice near trees – use them as friction points for controlled training.
• During floods, stand slightly upstream of fixed anchor points.
• Always shout “ROPE!” before throwing.
• Tell the victim: “Put the rope over your shoulder.”

Summary

• Underhand throws are the most accurate and effective for reaching victims.
• Focus on correct release points and keeping a low trajectory.
• Teach victims the right way to secure the rope for safer rescues.
• Always practice fast reloading to prepare for second throws.

By mastering these techniques, you can safely and efficiently use a throw bag in rescue situations.

Reference Video

Reference page: Swiftwater Rescue: Throwbag Techniques and Safety

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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