Stabilization, snag, and cinch lines each have their uses in freeing trapped boaters and their equipment. These rope techniques allow rescuers to work from safe locations, perhaps on shore to buy rescue time (stabilization line), transport equipment or a rescuer to the victim (zip line), free a trapped foot (snag line), dislodge a pinned boat or paddler (cinch line). These techniques are amongst the safest alternatives for rescuers in a pin or entrapment rescue and typically are your first choice.