With the advent of spring comes preparation and training for water rescue. Whether you’re tossing a line to a swimmer, setting up a ferry system, or rigging for a full-on rescue, having the right rope matters. Here’s a breakdown of PMI® water rescue ropes and when to use them.

1. Economy Throw Rope (Full Polypropylene)

This is your go-to throw rope—lightweight, easy to pack, and it floats like a champ. If your main goal is to get a rope to someone in the water fast, this is the way to go. Strength & Size: The 10mm rope has an 8kN strength rating—plenty for most throw-and-retrieve situations.
Best For: Quick-response rescues, throwing to a swimmer, or keeping on hand in a boat or emergency vehicle.
Things to Know: Polypropylene isn’t the toughest material, so it’s not the best choice for dragging across rocks or repeated heavy use. That’s why we stick with 10mm—it’s easier to grip and won’t slip through your fingers like a wet noodle.
Pro Tip: Pair it with the PMI H2Throw Bag—a lightweight nylon throw bag with a built-in flotation disc, durable mesh for water drainage, and a bright reflective band for visibility. It’s rigged and ready to go, so you can focus on the rescue, not the setup.

2. Polypropylene Core with Nylon Sheath

Need something stronger that still floats? This hybrid rope combines a buoyant polypropylene core with a tough nylon sheath, making it ideal for swiftwater rescues and heavier loads. Strength & Durability: 10mm version: 16kN strength, solid grip, and great durability. 7mm version: 8kN strength (same as the 10mm polypropylene), but packs down smaller for compact carry.
Best For: Ferrying rafts, shore-based rescues, and any scenario where you need abrasion resistance along with flotation.
Things to Know: Because of the nylon sheath, this rope won’t stay completely on the surface—it’ll dip slightly when wet. But it still floats well enough to stay visible, so you won’t have to go fishing for it downstream. Pro Tip: The PMI H2Throw Bag is also a great fit for this rope, keeping it neatly stowed and ready for action. With pre-tied loop terminations and high visibility, it makes deployment smooth when seconds count.

3. Life Safety Rope for Water Rescue Systems

If you’re setting up a highline, a tensioned system, or anything involving a suspended rescuer, you need a true life safety rope. These ropes meet NFPA or Cordage Institute standards and are built for high-load, high-stakes operations. For working in and around water, polyester is a good choice. Why Polyester? Unlike nylon, polyester doesn’t absorb water, so it maintains its strength and stretch characteristics whether wet or dry.
Best For: Technical rescues, belayed swimmer operations, and highlines where you’re suspending a person over water.
So, Which Rope Do You Need? Need a quick, reliable throw rope? Go with full polypropylene. Need something tougher for swiftwater work? Polypropylene core with a nylon sheath is your best bet. Rigging a serious rescue system? Go with a certified life safety rope. At the end of the day, the best rope is the one that gets the job done safely. Choose wisely, train hard, and don’t let your rope be the weakest link—literally.