Abstract: An automatic, wearable, manually operated or orally inflated personal flotation device that is extremely comfortable in any weather. It consists of a mesh vest, a folded float, stretch material compartment for the float and a reliable and easily operated and understood actuator. This vest has the ability upon inflation to turn a person, conscious or not, onto their back with face out of water. It uses a CO.sup.2 cartridge for automatic and manually operated modes, and can be used without the actuator, depending only on oral inflation. The vest can be worn alone, over clothing, or inconspicuously under or between layers of clother. The entire vest complete with CO.sup.2 cartridge, actuator and float, weighs approximately eight ounces, and is re-usable by replacing the CO.sup.2 cartridge and inexpensive water-soluble tablet.