Abstract: A frictional brake mechanism for detaining a first body relative to a second body having a surface, comprising a brake pad coupled to the first body and disposed adjacent to the surface and movable to and from a braking condition, wherein the brake pad frictionally engages the surface, and a non-braking condition, wherein the brake pad is disposed in a spaced relation to the surface; a biasing structure for biasing the brake pad to the braking condition; a release structure operably coupled to the brake pad and movable to and from a non-release position, wherein the brake pad is biasable to the braking condition, and a release position, wherein the brake pad is disposed substantially in the non-braking condition; and a release key in operable communication with the release structure and movable to and from first and second positions relative thereto, wherein when the key is disposed in either of the first or second positions, the release structure is disposed substantially in the release position and when the

Abstract: A personal floatation apparatus comprising a central body portion, adapted to float in a body of water, with a propulsion structure pivotally coupled to the body having an elongated rod member with upper and lower portions and a fin member pivotally coupled intermediate the respective portions. The upper and lower portions are inversely pivotal relative to each other, wherein when the upper portion is disposed forwardly and the lower portion is disposed rearwardly, relative to the body, and vice-versa. The fin member is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular from the body when the lower portion is moved from the forward to rearward positions, thereby encouraging forward movement of the floatation apparatus caused by water resistance acting upon the fin member. The fin member is adapted to lay substantially parallel to the body when the lower portion is moved from the rearward to the forward position, thereby encouraging continued forward movement in a gliding manner.