Swim ring

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A swim ring (also known as an inflatable lifebelt or swim tube) is a toroid-shaped (hence the name "ring") inflatable water toy.

The swim ring was derived from the inner tube, the inner, enclosed, inflatable part of older vehicle tires. The inner tube, when inflated, was used as a water toy, and as a floating object to lounge on.

A swim ring consists of identically-sized two layers of flat plastic, one of which contains a valve. The shape of each layer is like a large circle with a smaller, concentric circle removed. The two layers are joined at their inner and outer edges, sealing an air chamber inside.

Swim rings (also called "swimming rings", "swimrings", "inner tubes", "innertubes", and the incorrect "intertube", "rubber ring" or "floaty/floaties" [which are a different tye of swimming aid altogether]) are inflated with air and worn around the user's torso, usually just under the arms, to hold the user above the water. They come in a variety of sizes to fit children through adults, though the larger sizes are often called "swim tubes" or just "tubes".

In America, swim rings are typically viewed as the toys of children and are generally only found in smaller sizes in childish designs. Other countries, however, attach no such significance and they can be found in many styles and sizes being utilized by all age ranges.

Words in other languages for swim ring include: Japanese -- "ukiwa" (float belt); German -- "schwimmring";