When paddlers become tired or injured on the water they will need assistance getting to a place of safety - probably the shore.
The emphasis in this class will be the long tow. How to set up and take down. How to get multiple people towing. How to add an assistant to support the person being towed.
These skills are not just for leaders. As a leader, I want everyone on my paddle to have towing equipment and experience using it. In some conditions, towing someone back to safety is a whole group effort.
If you don't have towing equipment my advise is to borrow something. There are many variations, each with advantages. Best to see what is out there and choose what works for you. The most important feature is that you be practiced with your equipment, able to deploy and recover it smoothly.
Typically, you want to carry a long tow line for long distances and a short tow line for short distances.
My Preferences:
Northwater
Dynamic Tow Line - PRO. 35' works best in most conditions. 50' is better in ocean swell.
Whetman Sea Bean Towline. I've not used this item but it looks well thought out to me.
North Water
Contact Tow. (what I call a "short tow")