RNLI-designed throwlines set to save lives across the globe
Designed by the RNLI in the UK, but set to save lives in low income countries across the world, a new, low-cost throwline is now helping to tackle the global drowning epidemic.
The Rescue Throwline Manual is a step-by-step guide to producing a low-cost throwline which communities can use to create this life-saving piece of equipment.
The manual has already been used by Seasafe Lifeguards in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – home to the world’s largest refugee settlement – to create 200 throwlines, which are now ready to save lives.
The manual was designed and produced by an RNLI team led by John Powell, International Programme Manager, with the support of key partners including Bournemouth University, The Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) and The Little Sewing Company in Christchurch, Dorset.
John Powell said: ‘The Rescue Throwline Manual was designed to be an easy to use guide which communities could use themselves to produce life-saving throwlines that didn’t cost much money to produce.
‘It’s great to see that 200 of these throwlines have already been produced and are ready to save lives in Cox’s Bazar. As well as being used to produce a vital, low-cost life-saving resource, the manual helps to support that community’s economy, as local tailors can be utilised to produce the throwlines.
‘The Gurkha’s Association have also let us know that they are planning on using the manual to produce throwlines for their teams to use across Nepal during the monsoon season.
‘We are delighted to see the manual already being used to create these life-saving throwlines. It’s another tactic that we’ve developed here at the RNLI to help enable local communities to reduce drowning.’
A throwline costs approximately £35 to purchase in the UK. However, using this manual, local tailors in Bangladesh have made and sold each basic throwline for under £5 while also making a small profit
Gaia Allison, Senior International Programmes Manager, said: ‘Drowning is a silent epidemic that claims an estimated 360,000 lives every year, many of them children. These are preventable deaths.
‘We’re working with global leaders, public health organisations and at-risk communities to help turn the tide. We want to make drowning prevention a priority worldwide and reduce this staggering loss of life.
‘By raising awareness, conducting research and testing interventions like the Rescue Throwline Manual, we can make a difference together.’The Rescue Throwline Manual can be viewed here: https://rnli.org/-/media/rnli/downloads/tp-int-10-03cp_throwline_2018_metriclr.pdf?fd=true
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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