Throw Bag

Also called a ‘throw rope’ or ‘nordic lifeline’, a throw bag is designed to rescue a victim from the water in winter or summer. It’s essential equipment not just for ice skating but also for canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. A throw bag is designed to overcome the two biggest obstacles to a successful rescue:
1. The rope loses momentum and falls short of its target.
2. The rope sinks underwater before the victim has time to grab it.
First of all, the rope and the bag both float on the surface of the water.
Second, the bag has a padded weight to give it momentum when you throw it. The padding protects the victim from injury if you score a direct hit.
To use the throw bag, pull the end of the rope out of the bag and secure it to your belt or backpack. Then throw the entire bag toward the victim. The rope will uncoil from the bag as the bag flies through the air. If the ice is smooth and slippery, you can underthrow the bag and once it lands it will slide across the ice until it is within reach of the victim.
Skating throw bags are made by Lundhags, Skyllermarks and Zandstra. Many other brands designed for summertime use are available online.