A sling 10 for lifting a person comprises a back panel 12, two leg panels 14, two intermediate panels 16 that connect the leg panels to the back panel, and one or more fastening components 18 where the intermediate panels are comprised of a water draining material and comprise less than 50% of the total area of the sling. Preferably the intermediate panels are made of mesh and the back and leg panels comprise a smooth, non-draining material. Preferably strips for steering the sling are present in a central area of the back panel. The sling can be used for bathing infirm or disabled patients； the water permeable netting of the intermediate panels allows drainage where the water resistant back and leg panels are intended to be more comfortable than making the whole sling from mesh.
