Captain Your Dreams with the 2026 USCG Master 25-100 Ton License Challenge!

A lifebuoy is a throwable flotation aid designed to help someone in the water stay afloat and be located more easily during a rescue. By tossing it to a person overboard, you provide immediate buoyancy that can prevent drowning while you organize a recovery. If a line is attached, you can reel in or guide the person toward the vessel, making the rescue safer and less exhausting for the casualty. Its bright color and reflective material also aid visibility in rough seas or low light. It’s not used to light the deck, measure water depth, or anchor the vessel, which are functions of deck lighting, depth sounding gear, and anchors.