Abstract: A belt that can be fitted through belt loops of a pair of trousers for holding the trousers up is equipped with a pair of inflatable bladders, one on each side of the wearer. Controllable inflating means for the bladders are mounted on the belt, and when inflated expand outwardly along respective sides of the wearer. The bladders have a closed loop structure through which the wearer can extend the arms. A tie strip is provided across the front of the two bladders to hold them tightly against the body.

Abstract: A strip-like body member in the form of a belt has one or more slits extending through it. A flat air-tight expandable bladder extends along the rear surface of the body member and is enclosed between such body member and a backing strip. A pocket is provided on the body member for removably holding a gas cartridge, and such cartridge is associated with an actuator arranged to release the contents of the cartridge. The cartridge communicates with the bladder and when opened by a pull line connected to the actuator, the bladder expands forwardly through the slits to form a buoyant life preserver. The body member is dimensioned and arranged to be passed through the conventional trouser belt loops so as to serve the dual purpose of holding up trousers and to be available as a life preserver when needed. The pull line is held normally in place by a releasable hold-down connector so as to be out of the way until needed.