Water Recovery Body Bags for Dive, Rescue and Marine Teams

How mesh water recovery body bags drain during lift-out, what handle ratings to look for, and how dive, swift-water and sheriff teams use them.
2 min read
American Mortuary Equipment orange nylon mesh water recovery body bag with perimeter zipper and 10 sewn handles

American Mortuary Equipment orange nylon mesh water recovery body bag with perimeter zipper and 10 sewn handles

A solid body bag lifted out of water holds the water with it, which can add hundreds of pounds and put rescuers at risk on a boat or steep bank. A water recovery bag is made of open mesh so water drains as the bag is raised.

What to look for

  • Mesh that drains fast but does not snag.
  • High-visibility color. Orange stands out on dark water and at night.
  • Plenty of handles. Sides and ends, so several team members can lift from a boat.
  • A perimeter zipper so the bag can be opened flat under the decedent in the water.

The Water Recovery Mesh Bag, 10 Handles is 38 × 94 inches in 20 mil nylon mesh, with a perimeter zipper and ten sewn handles rated 200 lb per opposing pair.

Close-up of orange nylon mesh drainage material and sewn handle on water recovery body bag

After the recovery

Mesh bags are not containment bags. Once on shore, place the decedent in a sealed heavy-duty pouch such as the 2XL Disaster Bag, 8 Handles for transport to the medical examiner or funeral home.

Shop the line

See every model, size and case price on the American Mortuary Equipment body bag page or in the body bags and disaster pouches collection.

More body bag guides: Body bag sizes: child, adult, XL and bariatric · Chlorine-free body bags and cremation · Envelope vs straight vs perimeter zippers · Disaster body bags: 18 mil PVC vs poly · Body bag handles and lifting capacity

Funeral home PPE to order with body bags

Gown up before every removal and transfer. Our blue thumb loop isolation gowns and pink thumb loop isolation gowns are impervious polyethylene embalming gowns, 100 to an AME case from $97.02. Compare both on the isolation gown and embalming gown page, and add exam gloves by the case, extended-cuff gloves, disposable coveralls and DuPont Tychem. See the funeral home PPE guide, all mortuary PPE, or shop Funeral Source One and the funeral supply store for the rest of your order.