Most tether lines used in ice rescue are ______ in diameter.

• A. 1/4 inch
• B. 3/8 inch
• C. 7/16 inch
• D. 1/2 inch

Answer: (C)

Tether lines in ice rescue are selected to balance strength with ease of handling in cold, cramped conditions. Seven-sixteenths of an inch provides enough tensile strength to safely manage a rescuer and potential victim, while staying thin and flexible enough to grip with gloved hands, pass through anchors, and coil or deploy quickly. A line that is much smaller (like a quarter-inch) risks damage or failure under load, while a larger line (like three-eighths or half an inch) is more cumbersome to handle, especially under ice or with bulky gloves. So, seven-sixteenths of an inch is the practical, commonly used diameter for tether lines.