Coat of arms question

I'm currently giving the coat of arms that my club has a touch up and was wondering what a certain thing is.

Alabama state have a similar thing and its going from eagle to eagle above the shield and below the ship..it's looks like a bit red and white of rope?
http://www.archives.state.al.us/emblems/images/acoa.jpg

Any ideas???
If it's nothing much I think I'll just take it out of our own one.

Thanks.

its to do with the lifeline being offered, between both eagles.

A friend of mine reckons that it's a bit of rope that the shield is hanging off. Supposedly long go these things were hung from the ceiling or something..?

ollie according to beautiful rock, im a spoofer, so i was just keeping up with my reputation, i haven't a bloody clue what its about to be honest!! :D sorry...