What's worked really well for me is to have the rope bungee corded around your handpole. I put the rope of the underside of the handpole so that you don't even have to pull the rope out when the pole is in the down position. Having it this way keeps it accessible when it's needed quickly. I never was a fan of it around my waist because it always seemed to get in the way. For those that put the rope inside their hull or inside the fire ext. case, what's the point? I don't see how that is easily accessible when it's needed.
Doug