Lifebuoy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The word lifebuoy can mean:-
  • The lifesaving device: see below.
  • A brand of soap: see Lifebuoy (soap).
  • An army nickname for a type of World War II British army flamethrower was nicknamed a lifebuoy because of its doughnut-shaped backpack fueltank.

Lifebuoy. Photo: Georges Jansoone
Lifebuoy. Photo: Georges Jansoone

A lifebuoy or lifering is a life saving buoy designed to be thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy, to prevent drowning. Marine lifebuoys are fitted with a sea-water-activated light, or lights, to aid rescue at night.

The lifebuoy usually is ring-shaped or horseshoe-shaped and has a connecting line allowing the casualty to be pulled to the rescuer. They are carried by ships and are also located beside bodies of water that have the depth or potential to drown someone.

[edit] See also