A rescue apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate, buoyant, rigid members attached at their respective ends to one another at a selected one of a plurality of possible angles relative to one another and in a manner to prevent relative movement between the attached members. Any number of the members can be affixed together to form one linear section, to form a length with a zig-zag configuration, to form an L-shaped length of members to extend around a corner, to form a hook or loop shape at the end of a straight length, or virtually any other configuration which might be advantageous in a particular water or ice rescue situation. At least a portion of the rescue device is extended to a position within reach of the victim to affect the rescue. In a preferred embodiment, three of the members have been attached together to form a triangular rescue device that can be thrown or launched near the victim for use as a floatation device.