A crew overboard retrieval system for retrieving an object in the water including a flotation device, a net connected to the flotation device and a line connected to the net. A method of retrieving an object in the water, including the steps of: providing a crew overboard retrieval system including a flotation device, a net connected to the flotation device and a line connected to the net; connecting the line to a marine structure; deploying the crew overboard retrieval system in the water by casting off the flotation device and the net; at least partially encircling the object in the water with the net; capturing the flotation device; and retrieving the object in the water with the net.