Abstract: A life preserving device is shown having a body portion with a pair of floating sections which extend in opposite directions from a centrally located fold. Each of the floating sections has an aperture adapted to receive a wearer's head. The floating sections are foldable together along the central fold for use by a single wearer with the single wearer's head passing through both of the apertures. The floating sections are foldable apart for use by two wearers with each of the wearer's heads passing through a selected one of the apertures. A pressure sensing switch is shown for use with the life preserving device. The pressure sensing switch includes a pressure sensing membrane which is affixed to the body and which is responsive to an increase in inflation pressure within the floating section of the body to complete and actuate an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit can be used to power a radio transmitter to transmit a distress signal.