NEWS photo Stuart Davis

RESQ BELT inventor Uwe Meyer holds up the device that can be used (o save downed kayakers in whitewater
rapids. The belt can be used as a throw rope or rescue rope.

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PAGE 44

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August 30,

se rescue
xayakers

1987 - North Shore News

MASTERING stretches of hostile waters is exhilarating for

many kayakers and whitewater rafters.

But water safety was a concern
for kayaker Uwe Meyer, so he in-
vented a safety rescue belt, which
he recently demonstrated at
Capilano Fish Hatchery.

The belt is a life-saving device
that fills a gap in the market,
Meyer said.

Although several people have
been working on the idea, Meyer
developed and produced the device
which is called ResQ Belt. A fanny
pack containing 20 meters of
Roating rope attached to two
carabiner safety hooks can be used
as a throw rope to rescue swim-
mers or as a tow rope for over-

turned boats." With practice, a
person can throw it to the total
length,’’ Meyer says.

The brightly colored fanny pack
is worn around the waist and
secured with a heavy duty velero
strap which can be released quick-
ly. Meyer said a boat will always
carry a rope but that in an accident
there might not be time to grab it.
“Based on my = experience in
whitewater I believe that every
whitewater rafter should carry a
rope on the body,'* Meyer said,

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“the rope is ready for use at all
times,””

Because the rope is secured
around the waist, the rescuer has
both hands free to manoeuvre his
boat os hold on to safety. Meyer
said the belt is practical for the
sport because it does not interfere
with the lifejacket and is comfor-
table to wear.

Since production started three
months ago, Meyer has interested
several companies but says he is
surprised at the slow response. “ht
is really new and great, but pcople
are slow to recognize it.”

Meyer recommended to the pro-
vinelal government chat all
whitewater users wear the rope for
safety, and the government his ex-
empted the article from sales tax
because of its life-saving qualities.

“tT hope we can make our sports
safer because we have fantastic
outdoors and great possibilities to
keep fit,’’ Meyer said.

The belt retails for $79 at the
Mountain Equipment Co-op.

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