Do not make the mistake of throwing the coil "up"; throw it _out_ over the water. The important points to remember when using a rope for rescue work are to fasten the free end so the rope will not slip out of reach; to coil the rope properly so it will not kink or knot when let out; and to make a Bowline large enough to go around the body. When a group of Scouts make a guard line, each girl makes a Bowline in the end of her rope, large enough to put her hand through, fasten her right-hand neighbor's rope to it by means of a Sheet-bend and holds her portion of the line in place by using the Bowline in her rope for a handle. [Illustration: 4. Two Half-Hitches] Two Half-hitches are used to make fast an end of rope to a pole, post, etc. It is a knot that can be easily undone. It is used for hauling, fastening awning ropes, flag ropes, etc. To make a Half-hitch: Take the end in the right hand; Pass the end under and around the pole; Around the standing part: Under itself, forming a bight out of which the standing part comes. Repeat this for the second half-hitch, using standing part in place of pole. [Illustration: 5. Clove-Hitch] The purpose of a Clove-hitch, which is also called the Builders' Knot, is to make fast an end of rope, generally to a post or tree. This knot holds securely and does not slip laterally. It is of value when tethering an animal or tying a boat. It can be used for fastening an awning rope, tent ropes, for tying on splints or fastening the end of a bandage when it is used to confine a delirious person. A fence or guard-line can be made where trees or posts are available by tying the end of the rope by means of a Half-hitch to the first tree, and then using a Clove-hitch on the other trees or posts. To tie the Clove-hitch: Take the end in the right hand; Pass it around the post; Over the standing part; Continue around the post; Under the standing part; Slip the end up through the lower loop; Pull tight. [Illustration: 6. Sheep-Shank] The purpose of a Sheep-shank is to take up slack or shorten a rope temporarily. It is used on tent ropes, tow lines. To make the Sheep-shank: Cross the hands and take hold of the rope; Take up the slack by drawing the hands past each other; Hold the two long loops firmly in one hand; Make a bight in the rope between the loop and the end; Pass the loop through the bight; Do the same thing at the other end. The knot will stay in place so long as the rope is taut. If it is necessary to shorten a rope when neither end is held fast, make the Sheep-shank and pass each end through the bight nearest to it. [Illustration: Ready For Transportation or Storage] When in uniform a Girl Scout hangs her rope on a belt-hook placed in her belt or skirt-binding. _To have the rope in a convenient form:_ Make two loops five or six inches long at one end of the rope;