A Cavalier attitude to rescue

Whilst painstakingly archiving the club library of 'Ladybird Books' I may have unwittingly stumbled across the first reference to throw lines and their usage on an English river. Long forgotton since the book was last loaned out in the 1960's!

Note the rescuer's 'dynamic belay' stance, his correct use of objects, in this case 'rock' to minimise the shock to both victim and rescuer as well as incorporating the buddy-system with  back-up by the anchor-man to his rear.

A good choice of  positioning; downstream of eddy formed by rushes, the entire group's suitable footwear for the terrain, both significant factors in a swift rescue must surely have impressed the watching Level 5 coaches complete with subjugated  lacky  to be seen in the middle ground.

Image: Ladybird Prints

Have you come across an earlier instance of throw-lines or river rescue?  Perhaps in the Tudor or Roman times?

I'd be fascinated to compare notes if you can help.