MODEL RELEASED. Rock climbing safety. Climber attached to a climbing rope. This climber is termed the belayer. They remain on the ground and control the rope for the person climbing (not seen). The rope is threaded through a belay device (silver and black, centre). This safety device helps the belayer control the slack in the climbing rope. In the event of a fall, the belay device provides a friction break on the rope, helping to stop the rope slipping through the climber's hands. Here the belayer is pulling downwards on the rope with their right hand to prevent it from moving. To provide slack in the rope, the belayer changes the position of their hand.