What is a Rescue Can?
And How they Can Help With Water Safety
Are there Rescue Cans that can be used for Recreational Water Activities?
by Johanna | Restube
published on February 16th, 2022
Rescue cans are water rescue devices that are generally used by lifeguards during their rescue operations. They provide buoyancy for the lifeguard and are highly effective in situations when providing assistance to someone in distress in the water. Today we will look at different types of rescue cans and if there are alternatives that could be used for water safety for more recreational water activities such as open water swimming, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Taking a Look at the Baywatch Rescue Can
Here are some specs for the iconic rescue can, used on the TV show Baywatch:
1. A length of 23.6 inches (60cm), a diameter of 6 inches (15cm) with two handles
2. Weights about 2.2 pounds (1000 grams)
3. Is a rigid plastic container that has been partially foamed.
4. Is bulky and takes up a lot of room.
5. Requires practice and professional training to be used effectively.
Should You Use a Rescue Can When in the Water?
Having buoyancy available for when you need it most in the water is always a good idea, this is true no matter your skill or fitness level. The water is unpredictable and unforeseen risks such as ocean currents, changes in weather and other hazards can lead to life-threatening situations developing suddenly without warning. Panicking in such a situation can make the problem worse as you lose your ability to focus and drain your energy.
A buoyancy device such as a rescue can, or another source of buoyancy can help in these situations. Having buoyancy available can help reduce panic, reorientate yourself and relax. This gives you time to make more rational choices about the situation or wait until someone can help.
Rescue can's are primarily water rescue devices for use by lifeguards. People panicking in the water produce an incredible amount of force as they struggle and can easily push another person underwater as they try to stay afloat. This is one reason why lifeguards need buoyancy when conducting rescue operations. Lifeguards can also pass the rescue can to someone in trouble easily if the person is still conscious. This enhances the safety of the lifeguard.
For recreational water activities, a rescue can is somewhat bulky, needs proper training, and would be extremely difficult to manage when doing water sports or just having fun in the water. It would essentially get in the way. However, there are alternatives.
Are there any Rescue Can Alternatives for Recreational Water Activities?
Several alternatives would be more appropriate for water safety for recreational water activities. Restube is one of them, which has different models available for various water activities and professional rescue. Restube provides buoyancy almost instantly, ensuring that someone can keep their head above water and stay calm well before rescue arrives.
Restube uses a C02 cartridge which almost instantly inflates a rescue buoy with the pull of a cord. There is no need to wait for someone to become aware of the situation or panic desperately waiting for help.
“I got the idea for Restube when facing a dangerous situation while kite surfing on the Atlantic ocean. I lost my equipment in really big waves and had to swim ashore, it seemed like an eternity to me. That was the first time I really felt panic. After some weeks the idea of Restube war born. I was still studying mechanical engineering then, and we tried to develop a system combining both a small size and solidity. So far, Restube has already saved 40 lives. We are very happy about our impact on making water activities for everyone safer.”
Christopher Fuhrhop |
Founder and CEO of Restube
Like a rescue can, Restube immediately eases the situation. After you inflate your Restube you simply lean over the buoy and your head will be kept above water. You get time to assess the situation and even swim back to shore if possible. Restube can also be used to help others, you can pass the buoy along to someone else in need. Restube will also assist in seeking help, its bright yellow color allows you to use the buoy to attract attention from lifeguards or others in the area. Some Restube models also include a whistle that can be used for this purpose.
Why Restube?
The most effective safety system for water activities is one that you always have available. Restube is attached using a belt and ready to go whenever you need it. It is compact and stays out of your way when you are engaging in your favorite water activities. Our smallest Restube is the beach which weighs less than most cell phones. All Restubes are weightless in the water and do not create any resistance if you need to swim with an inflated Restube.
Restube Advantages:
1. Made from highly visible yellow material.
2. Enough buoyancy to keep a fully grown adult's head above water.
3. Compact design that fits in a pouch.
4. Reusable – CO2 cartridges can be replaced.
5. Can be manually inflated using a valve.
6. Does not get in the way during water sports.
7. Various models available for different activities.
Which Restube is best for me?
Check out our homepage for information on the various Restube models or take our quiz to find out which Restube is for you.
Restube for Professional Rescue?
RESTUBE also offers a special model designed specifically for lifeguards, which was developed in cooperation with the Swiss lifeguarding association SLRG. Today, more than 5000 lifeguards are using Restube on duty all over the world.
Have fun on the water and stay safe!
Your Restube team
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