FAQ
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What is the Spider?
The Spider, by Hydro Spider, is an affordable lifesaving accessory solution for casual and professional boaters. It is designed to attach to a USCG Type IV. When paired, the Spider allows for multiple rescue attempts in a potential life threatening situation.
How is the Hydro Spider used?
The Spider is designed to attach to a USCG Type IV floatation device (not included with the purchase of a Spider or Swift Water Spider) with an interlocking system. The looped handle of the paracord is held by the responder in one hand, while throwing the floatation device (with the Spider attached) with the opposite hand. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, retrieve the flotation device making sure the paracord does not tangle or wrap around anything and throw again. This can be repeated as many times as needed.
How is the Spider different from other rescue floats?
The Spider, while designed to be used in conjunction with a USCG Type IV floatation device, can also be used with anything that has buoyancy. It has proven to be more effective (accuracy) and more efficient (allows for multiple attempts).
What other applications are there for the Spider?
The spider is a versatile accessory that can be attached to just about anything! Although designed to be attached to a USCG Type IV Throwable, the Spider could be attached to a wearable PFD, cooler, or even a volleyball...anything with buoyancy! In addition to that, it can be used as a tether system (more to come on that!).
What is the difference between the Spider and Swift Water Spider?
The main differences between the two products are in the materials used for construction, most notably the paracord and webbing (straps). With the Spider, 550 paracord is used versus the 750 paracord used with the swift water, giving an extra 200 lbs of braking force. The Webbing (straps) used with the Spider is a 1" Polyester Webbing with a breaking force of 1,740 Lbs versus the 2" seat belt webbing used in the Swift Water which has a breaking force of 5,930 Lbs. The extra breaking strength in the Swift Water allows those with additional Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), First Responders, to handle water rescues in faster moving waters, whereas the Spider has the everyday boater in mind, where it can be stored on board and deployed when needed.
How do you put the rope back in the bag after use?
Repacking the Spider is quick and easy. Although you do not have to repack it to deploy for a second, third, or fourth rescue attempt, you will want to repack it for storage and accessibility. The technique is the same as repacking a throw bag (video coming soon!):
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Drape the throw rope over the back of your shoulder so gravity will help feed the rope into the bag.
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Use your thumbs and index fingers to stuff the rope into the opening of the bag using an over-under stuffing technique. Just remember to layer the rope on top of itself as you go so it won’t tangle when you need to throw it again.
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Stuff the knot down into the bag with the rest of the rope leaving the handle exposed. Cinch the bag closed around the paracord.