Helicopters doing sling loading some times have the hook up person earth the helicopter before hooking up the load, ...
Back in the Dark Ages when UK SAR was done with Whirlwind 10s, I participated in dinghy drills off Bridlington. I distinctly remember a crewman on the launch, throwing a wet rope at my legs, as the winchman and I were lowered onto the deck. I didn't feel a shock but maybe it was masked by the impact of the rope.