According to experience, how many heaving lines should be available for use?

Having an appropriate number of heaving lines available is essential for ensuring safety and operational efficiency during rescue situations. The recommendation to have six heaving lines stems from the need to provide adequate resources for various scenarios that may occur during a rescue operation.

Having six heaving lines allows for redundancy, meaning if one line becomes compromised or tangled, there are still sufficient lines available to assist in the rescue. This can be crucial in dynamic environments where multiple individuals may need assistance or where environmental factors can hinder a rescue attempt.

Moreover, with multiple lines, there is flexibility in deploying them for different purposes, including reaching multiple victims, providing a secure tether for rescuers, or facilitating coordination between team members. This preparation ensures that a team can respond promptly and effectively, minimizing risk and enhancing the chances of a successful rescue operation.