Abstract: A self-inflating water rescue device (1) consisting of a belt (2) for fastening to the waist and a lifebelt (5) connected to a compressed gas cartridge (4) attached to an opening trigger (3), the belt (2) and the lifebelt (5) being connected to each other by a safety strap (9), one end of a release cord (11) is connected to the opening trigger (3), the other end of the cord (11) being routed outside the lifesaving device (1), the lifebelt (5) being provided with a release valve (12) where applicable, and characterized by that a storage pocket (8) is formed on at least a part of the outer side of the belt (2) by a fixed wall (6) and an sliding (loose) wall (7), the lifebelt (5) being arranged in the storage pocket (case) (8), the outer part of the belt (2) being itself a fixed wall (6) of the pocket (8), the lifebelt (5) has a basically interrupted perimeter circle shape, the ends (13) of which at the interruption are overlapping when filled with gas, and when not filled with gas the lifebelt (5) is folded int

Abstract: A wearable airbag device for protecting the hip of a wearer includes an airbag adapted to be worn around the pelvis and inflatable with an inflation gas. The airbag includes: an inner wall configured to face the wearer at airbag deployment; an outer wall opposite the inner wall and having a circumferential edge jointed with that of the inner wall so that the airbag has a substantially board shape when inflated; a contact portion disposed in an upper reach of a stream of inflation gas and configured to be deployed at a side of the pelvis; a protecting portion configured to be deployed in such a manner as to extend downward from the contact portion for covering an outer side of the trochanter of femur at airbag deployment; and a float-preventing means for preventing the protecting portion from floating away from the body of the wearer at airbag deployment.

Abstract: A folding inflation-free breaststroke float comprises a U-shaped main body and a supporting pad arranged in the main body. The supporting pad is arranged around an inner ring of the main body; the main body is also provided with back sheets, shoulder straps, buckles and a crotch; the main body is combined by at least two connecting parts; the joined connecting parts can be turned or disassembled and then overlapped; and a detachable connecting piece is arranged between the joined connecting parts. Compared with the prior art, by turning a first connecting part and second connecting parts, the first connecting part and the second connecting parts are overlapped, thereby reducing the overall volume during transportation and reducing transportation cost.

Abstract: A buoyancy control jacket (1) for scuba diving that includes at least one air chamber (2) with a variable volume delimited by an outer wall (2a) and an inner wall (2b), an abdominal closing strap, and a removable association device between the inner wall (2b) and the abdominal strap, the removable association device including first and second connectors respectively attached to the inner wall (2b) and to the strap, a retainer that retains the second connector relative to the first connector along an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the strap, and a means of rotation about said axis of the second connector relative to the first connector.

Abstract: New water rescue devices and methods of use are provided. In some embodiments, a rescue device comprises an inflatable net with a handle, and a switch for causing the inflation of the inflatable net. In some methods, a user positions the inflatable net underneath at least part of a person or other object prior to inflation, and the inflating net rises due to increased buoyancy, while water passes through and below the net. The rising net lifts the person or object above the surface of a body of water, rescuing the person or object. In some embodiments, the invention is incorporated in a rescue buoy or rescue can. In some embodiments, an inflatable body other than a net also, or alternatively, is provided. For example, an expanding flotation ring or other flotation device is provided, which envelopes and holds the person or object when inflated.

Abstract: New expanding net interceptors and rescue devices are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a rescue device comprises a dense, positionable head, an extendable boom and a handle with an expansion and/or inflation trigger, wherein the positionable head comprises folded or compacted net, expandable and/or inflatable by the expansion and/or inflation trigger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, vented, and insulating cold weather garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Perforations along the seams between the insulating chambers may achieve optimal evaporative moisture transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment.

Abstract: A buoyancy assistance kit including a belt for surrounding part of the trunk of a user and two armbands each surrounding part of an arm of said user respectively, the belt and the armbands each including at least one element arranged so as to ensure a buoyancy assistance function, each armband being connected to said belt by an element, each element having an elasticity which allows the relative position of the armband to be adapted in relation to the belt when being worn.

Abstract: A method of localizing articles comprising passive Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tags is disclosed. The method includes receiving tag information from each of a plurality of RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles fixed to a plurality of immovable assets disposed in a predefined layout within an enclosed region; segregating the tag information received from each of the plurality of RFID tags into a plurality of regions within the predefined layout; mapping an RFID tag from the plurality of RFID tags to an immovable asset from the plurality of immovable assets; and verifying mapping of the RFID tag to the immovable asset based on an estimated physical location of the RFID and an actual physical location of the RFID tag.

Abstract: A rest comprises a preformed support member and an adjustable base. The preformed support member has a right stabilizing compartment a left stabilizing compartment, and a recessed median trough positioned between the right stabilizing compartment and the left stabilizing compartment. The adjustable base includes at least one front base member and at least one rear base member, wherein the at least one front base member and the at least one rear base member are foldably fastened to the preformed support member on opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: The floatable umbrella with self-ballasting member includes an umbrella that is selectively attached to an umbrella float. An umbrella weight is selectively attached to a distal end of the umbrella so as to form a ballasting capability for the umbrella when said umbrella is partially submerged within a body of water. A tether is selectively attached to the umbrella float. The tether includes a wristband on a distal end, which is adapted to engage a wrist of an end user. The tether may optionally include a tether float as well as a magnet release that separates between the tether float and the wristband.

Abstract: A buoyancy control apparatus for body surfing includes a buoyancy vest to be worn alone or under a body surfing suit or wetsuit, the vest having a plurality of spaced pockets with access openings on the exterior surface of the vest, and a plurality of foam inserts sized for fitting into the pockets via the access openings. The body surfer can regulate their buoyancy by adding foam inserts to the pockets or removing foam inserts from the pockets to enable them to maintain desired control and buoyancy balance in the water.

Abstract: An improved structure for a personal flotation device that is relatively comfortable to wear when not in use includes a primary bladder that is shaped to extend about a waist of a user. The personal flotation device also includes a secondary bladder that is in fluid communication with the primary bladder and is shaped to extend upwardly from the waist across a stomach of the user. Lastly, the personal flotation device includes a tertiary bladder that is in fluid communication with the secondary bladder and is shaped to is adapted to across the front of a chest of the user.

Abstract: A passive security system and personal equipment on vessels is for man over board situations. The personal equipment, prepared for being worn by a crewmember of the vessel, includes a first module (2) integrated into a belt (4); a life jacket (5) folded inside of the first module (2) and attached thereto by at least one strap (6); a second module (8) placed in the interior of the first module (2), connected to the life jacket (5) and configured to inflate the life jacket (5) when it detects a man over board situation. The first module (2) has on its rear part one flap (3) configured to be opened by the life jacket (5) inflating action, allowing the passage thereof to the exterior of the first module (2). It is used as a passive security element for “man over board” situations, to allow an immediate detection of the situation and a fast rescue.

Abstract: Apparatus for body surfing, and more particularly a body surfing buoyancy vest. The present invention relates to a buoyancy vest to be worn alone or under a body surfing suit or wetsuit which is able to regulate the buoyancy of the surfer to enable them to maintain maximum control and buoyancy balance in the water.

Abstract: A device for increasing the buoyancy of a human body in water includes an inflatable tube member (1), a coupling unit (4) including a first part (8) and a second part (11), the coupling unit together with the tube member being arranged to form an endless float ring when the device is in the active state, a gas cartridge (6) having a punctureable membrane, a penetration element (23) arranged to puncture the membrane, a gas duct extending between the first part of the coupling unit and the tube member, wherein the gas cartridge and the penetration element are mutually displaceable in the direction towards each other. A first coupling member (20) of the first part is pivotally arranged about a pivot between an inactive position and an actuating position, in which the first coupling member, direct or indirect, causing the mutual displacement of the gas cartridge and the penetration element.

Abstract: An improved structure for a personal floatation device that is relatively comfortable to wear when not in use includes a primary bladder that is shaped to extend about a waist of a user. The personal flotation device also includes a secondary bladder that is in fluid communication with the primary bladder and is shaped to extend upwardly from the waist across a stomach of the user. Lastly, the personal flotation device includes a tertiary bladder that is in fluid communication with the secondary bladder and is shaped to is adapted to across the front of a chest of the user.

Abstract: A flotation assistance belt is configured to fit beneath arms of a human user in order to provide buoyancy to the human user in water. The flotation assistance belt includes a belt mechanically coupled to a female fastener and a male fastener. A flotation tube is partially surrounding the belt and configured to bend forming a circle without plastic deformation while having the tensile strength to resist this bending causing the flotation tube to expand outward slightly when the female fastener and the male fastener are connected. Connecting the female fastener to the male fastener forms a circle configured to fit beneath the arms of the human user in order to provide the buoyancy to the human user in the water.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a construction for a flotation device, the construction comprising a pants portion configured to be worn on the lower body of a user, and an inflatable core coupled to the pants portion and configured to encircle the midsection of the user, wherein the inflatable core includes a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber configured to encircle the midsection of the user and to be separately inflatable.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; molding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of molded polymeric components interconnected is also described.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the resilient force (i.e. the force to deform when pressure is added and to return to the original shape when the pressure is removed) of an elastic member or bias member. A large pressure if added in advance to the elastic member or bias member disposed in a preserver body to set the preserver body in a thin and flat state. In an emergency, the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member causes water or air to be sucked into the preserver body. The volume of the preserver body is expanded by the air sucked in due to the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member or by gas generated by a chemical reaction between the sucked-in water and a foaming agent. The increased volume causes the preserver body to float, thereby enabling a wearer to breathe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment (6) made up of floating multilayer textile (1), said garment (6) comprising a central portion (61) for supporting the trunk, a top portion (60) for supporting the neck, said multilayer textile (1) comprising at least one outer sheet (2), at least one intermediate sheet (3) and at least one inner sheet (4), said garment (6) being characterized in that said intermediate sheet (3) of said floating multilayer textile (1) consists of a multilayer membrane, in particular closed-cell polyethylene, wherein at least 50% of said membrane is made up of air, in that said textile (1) is provided with between 3 g to 5 g of said intermediate sheet (3) for each 1 kg of weight to support in water, and in that the membrane material provided for the intermediate sheet (3) at said central portion (61) of said garment (6), is distributed so that between 60% and 80% is arranged in the front side of said central portion (61) and between 40% and 20% is arranged in the rear side of said central port

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a construction for a flotation device, the construction comprising a pants portion configured to be worn on the lower body of a user, and an inflatable core coupled to the pants portion and configured to encircle the midsection of the user, wherein the inflatable core includes a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber configured to encircle the midsection of the user and to be separately inflatable.

Abstract: A life jacket includes a hood and a hydration pack. The hood may be neoprene protecting the head from the water. The hydration pack may be insulated. The hydration pack may include a flow tube with a filter providing clean water to the user. The life jacket may include waterproof insulated pockets protecting contents therein.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the resilient force (i.e. the force to deform when pressure is added and to return to the original shape when the pressure is removed) of an elastic member or bias member. A large pressure if added in advance to the elastic member or bias member disposed in a preserver body to set the preserver body in a thin and flat state. In an emergency, the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member causes water or air to be sucked into the preserver body. The volume of the preserver body is expanded by the air sucked in due to the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member or by gas generated by a chemical reaction between the sucked-in water and a foaming agent. The increased volume causes the preserver body to float, thereby enabling a wearer to breathe.

Abstract: Apparatus for cold weather survival comprises an elongated belt body comprising a piece of buoyancy-providing material. The belt body is sized such that end portions thereof overlap when the belt body is wrapped around a user's waist. The belt body has an inner side which faces the user and an outer side which faces away from the user. One or more fasteners are provided for holding the belt body in place around the user's waist. A plurality of flotation devices and a plurality of pockets are attached to the outer side of the belt body. A sleeve is attached to the outer side the belt body, and positioned such that when the belt body is wrapped around the user's waist, the sleeve is horizontally-oriented and located in front of the user. A telescoping pole is held by the sleeve across the front of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swimsuit comprising swimming trunks, a compressed gas cylinder with a user-operated valve, and one or more inflatable bladders attached to the swimming trunks. The swimsuit, apart from its basic function as clothing, performs simultaneously as a protecting and rescuing device in a life-threatening situation.

Abstract: There is described herein an apparatus for providing buoyancy and/or facilitating rescue of a person or object. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve for securing the apparatus around at least a portion of a person or an object wherein longitudinal extension of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to contract radially to grip the person or object or a portion thereof and wherein longitudinal compression of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to expand. The apparatus may further include a structure coupled to the tubular sleeve for attaching the apparatus to rescue equipment and/or for providing a handle and/or at least one flotation device coupled to the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for cold weather survival comprises an elongated belt body comprising a piece of buoyancy-providing material. The belt body is sized such that end portions thereof overlap when the belt body is wrapped around a user's waist. The belt body has an inner side which faces the user and an outer side which faces away from the user. One or more fasteners are provided for holding the belt body in place around the user's waist. A plurality of flotation devices and a plurality of pockets are attached to the outer side of the belt body. A sleeve is attached to the outer side the belt body, and positioned such that when the belt body is wrapped around the user's waist, the sleeve is horizontally-oriented and located in front of the user. A telescoping pole is held by the sleeve across the front of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifejacket used in the field of safety equipment aboard a boat. The jacket comprises an inflatable vest having two faces opposite one another, which can be housed, folded, in a protective envelope, which comprises an external peripheral opening fitted with temporary closing means by which the vest can expand when inflated. The jacket also comprises a carrying harness to which the envelope can be fixed. The vest comprises inside at least one non-inflatable zone in which its two faces opposite one another are assembled, especially by thermowelding. Thus, this non-inflatable zone, inside the vest and not on its periphery, allows it to have a hooking zone for correct attaching of the vest, the protective envelope and the harness.

Abstract: A flotation device including an elongated body portion with a substantially rectangular shape capable of fitting around a user's midsection. This elongated body portion is made of buoyant material and has an exterior shell made of substantially semi-elastic material. The semi-elastic material can be extended to form a tighter fit around the user's midsection. The flotation device of the present invention also includes at least two adjustable side straps attached to the elongated body portion. Each adjustable strap extends in a longitudinal direction and along the major dimension of the elongated body portion. These adjustable side straps can be adjusted for a tighter or looser fit around the midsection. The flotation device also features a two-part adjustable bottom strap having a first end attached to a front section of the elongated body portion, and having a second end attached to a back section of the elongated body portion.

Abstract: A garment with underarm externally accessible breast pockets and method of use. An upper body garment is disclosed having garment arms attached to a garment trunk, and a pocket mouth disposed under each garment arm. A pocket is attached to the garment trunk at each pocket mouth. A passenger positioned behind a driver wearing the upper body garment may insert hands and arms through the pocket mouths and into the pockets for warmth, security, and or intimacy enhancement. Divots sized to accept human fingertips may be attached to the pocket floors for increased security of grip. Alternate embodiment garments include divots sized to accept fingertips on the front outside of a garment or life preserver, and hand indentations sized to accept the palm side of a human hand on the front outside of a garment or life preserver. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a life saving apparatus which allows a wearer to readily assume a rearwardly inclined floating posture on the water surface under an inflated condition of a float body. The life saving apparatus includes a float body 2 configured to surround the torso of a wearer P under an inflated condition of the float body and an attaching body 3 to be attached to the waist of the wearer P. The float body 2 and the attaching body 3 are connected to each other at a connecting position on the back side of the wearer's P body via an extension member 5 having a predetermined length. The float body 2 and the attaching body 3 are connected, with a shorter inter-distance than the predetermined length of the extension member 5, at a position forwardly of the connecting position on the back side of the wearer's P body.

Abstract: The flotation device includes an inflatable bladder, inflation means, activation means for the inflation means and is self-contained. Preferably, a plurality of flotation bladders which are inflatable by the user, a third party or automatically are used. A closure system prevents accidental inflation of the inflation means. The devices provides buoyancy to personnel and associated equipment.

Abstract: A bathing suit incorporates two life-saving inflatable bladders stored in pockets located in the front of the suit at waist level. When needed, the bladders can be rapidly inflated and deployed to a collarlike configuration which will keep the wearer's head above water.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to methods and articles for inspecting aircraft life vests using radio frequency identification technology (RFID). In one embodiment, a tamper evident, RFID-enabled package is described, the package containing a life vest. Methods of manufacturing the package are also described.

Abstract: A new buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design is provided. The new buoyancy compensator has a unique air bladder system that are positioned directly below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The new buoyancy compensator may also have air bladder systems positioned directly above the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The unique buoyancy compensator containing the new air bladder system facilitates a streamlined bladder that makes movements in the water easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity is minimized. The new buoyancy compensator has an air bladder system that is contained within the front lobes of the jacket that makes the jacket more streamlined and makes access to gear contained on the jacket much easier. Moreover, the streamlined nature of the compensator increases the stability of the user during entry and exit from the water.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover is configured to be removably attached to the external outward-facing surfaces of a personal buoyancy compensating device (BCD). The BCD cover is preferably formed of a single layer of water resistant coated fabric or similar flexible and durable materials. The perimeter of the cover includes securing devices such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners configured to retain the perimeter of the cover to the BCD. The attachment devices may include elements that are permanently secured to the BCD such as one half of a zipper device. In optional configurations, the BCD cover includes ancillary elements such as weight pockets and equipment attachment devices. The BCD cover may be configured to be installed onto existing prior BCDs.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable safety apparatus (10, 10?) which is manually or automatically operated having a compressed gas bottle (17, 20) with an operation rod (25, 54) in combination with an inflatable element (15, 18) which is initially folded upon itself as an open ring and housed in a ribbon-shaped case (13, 26) secured to the user's waist. The inflatable element (15, 18) is connected to the ribbon-shaped case (13, 26) by extensible tapes (27, 60) or ducts (14, 14?, 16, 16?) whose extension allows positioning the inflatable element at the height of the user's armpit.

Abstract: A flotation device for use with objects includes a bladder forming part of an inflatable assembly having an inflatable volume defined by a first wall and a second wall sealed about a periphery. A water actuated inflation valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable volume through one of the walls, and the inflatable assembly wraps over the water actuated inflation valve to form a protective cavity covering the water actuated inflation valve. At least one releasable fastener holds the inflatable assembly over the water actuated valve, wherein actuation of the water actuated valve inflates the bladder to release the at least one releasable fastener to allow the bladder to further expand. In one embodiment, at least one strap is fixed to the inflatable assembly.

Abstract: A device is provided for operating inflation and deflation valves of an air chamber of a scuba diver's balancing jacket. The device comprises inflation and deflation valves and a push-button for operating the valves that can be controlled by the diver. The device also has a handgrip projecting forwardly from a side position on a lower edge of the jacket, the push-button being situated on the handgrip.

Abstract: The floatation garment, in particular a lifejacket or an immersion suit, comprises at least one elastic layer (1) shaped to fit at least around the torso of a wearer and to stretch to an extent between a minimum and a maximum depending on the size of the wearer. To provide thermal insulation, it moreover comprises a plurality of thermally insulating panels (23-28), in particularly foam panels, which are attached with respect to the elastic layer (1) and/or with respect to one another such that they slidably overlap one another. In this way, the garment fits to persons of different size and keeps its thermal insulation notwithstanding the fact that the thermally insulating foam panels are not or not sufficiently elastic.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a balancing jacket for diving activities characterized by the following steps: a) manufacturing an inflatable chamber by joining two pieces of suitable fabric substantially having a plan C-shape; manufacturing a back element made of fabric having a substantially U-shape; and applying around said back element the central portion of said inflatable chamber, thus obtaining a tubular back-supporting horseshoe structure provided with two tubular end extensions extending forward substantially as a right angle with respect to said horseshoe structure, thus forming two ventral supporting chambers.

Abstract: Airway and equipment protective buoyant, rescue, marking and recovery devices are disclosed. A garment mounted dual zipper cover releases a bladder that creates a reliable mandibular shelf and bracket while simultaneously encapsulating the crico-thyroid cartilage protecting it from compression. A dual wall personal floatation device (PFD) with its over sized inner bladder creates extended midline crossing. A dual chambered inner bladder separates the compressed gas inflated high-pressure low-volume bladder required for corrective turning from the higher-volume lower-pressure orally inflated chamber which provides the additional buoyancy needed to improve freieboard. A dual release fabric lock handle allows for the quick release of the deflated redundant abdominal PFD which then serves as an accurately thrown rescue inflatable. A PFD integrated variable-displacement dual-pressure personal life raft uses compressed gas to inflate a rigid floor conferring sufficient buoyancy to support the Marines 35 lb.

Abstract: A life jacket in including impact absorption materials on both sides of a hard protection material in which a high-impact fiber cloth is incorporated buoyant material on at least one impact absorption material provides buoyancy. The jacket includes front and back bodies of which the back body is longer than the front body and they are parted in the middle at the shoulder region, such that the interior material takes the form of a waist coat. By extending an upper portion of the hard protection material of the back body along a neck region of the front and back bodies, a head region retroversion protective portion is configured. Front and back bodies of the life jacket are fastened to the user by at least one belt.

Abstract: An elongated inflatable tubular device bendable about spaced apart folds in multiple directions about the longitudinal axis. Spaced apart bendable folds are formed across the tubular member by attaching only the central areas of opposite portions of the side walls. Air within the tubular member is thus free to flow through each fold to balance air pressure. The central attached portions are sized in length along the longitudinal axis such that the outer unattached portions of each fold inflate and expand sufficiently to resiliently resist bending and stiffen the device while still allowing useful flexing of the device. The ends of the device may be cooperatively shaped having a central aperture formed therethrough to pliably receive the other end of the device. One or more of the central areas may also be open to alternately receive one of the ends in the same manner.

Abstract: A dive vest that includes a torso-engaging member with a waistband, an air bladder contained throughout the torso-engaging member, beaded weight pads quickly releasable from the waistband, a scuba tank carrier plate attached to the torso-engaging member, a first stage regulator with an extended, flexible base that is permanently attached within the dive vest, an on demand/oral inflation assembly extending upwardly from the torso-engaging member, a second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator, and an octopus second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator and being retractable into, and extendable from, the torso-engaging member, and when retracted, is hidden in the torso-engaging member, and as a result thereof, is protected from wear and tear from, and snagging on, objects on both land and underwater and provides less resistance during a dive.

Abstract: An improved rescue device includes a floatation material, a flexible mesh disposed about the floatation material wherein the flexible mesh is in contact with an outer surface of the floatation material, and a bonding material covering the flexible mesh and the floatation material. The floatation material is a closed cell foam material, the flexible mesh is a nylon mesh, and the bonding material is a polyvinyl chloride paint. The rescue device may also include a tow line affixed to one end thereof and a plurality of rings arranged along the length of the tow line. A harness may be coupled to one end of the tow line and a securement device may be coupled to the tow line to retain the tow line in a compressed state. The securement device may be a collar which fastens upon itself by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A flotation device of the invention—of cell shape, substantially flat and of little bulk when deflated—is able to be filled with a compressed gas from a cartridge coupled with it so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it. A belt of a jacket with an adjustable strap overlies the flotation device about the waist of a wearer and is coupled with it by a drawstrap. When the flotation device is filled with the compressed gas, its length increases to that of a life vest which can be placed around the head and about the neck when being donned. Pulling down the end of the drawstrap snugly secures the flotation device to the adjustable strap which continues to be worn about the waist. An elongated tube allows the wearer to orally inflate the vest should the compressed gas tend to leak over time, in keeping the head out of the water.