Glossary
Throwable flotation device
A ring buoy or cushion made to be thrown to someone in the water. Boats over 16 feet must carry one.
A throwable flotation device is a Coast Guard-approved ring buoy, horseshoe buoy or cushion that you throw to a person in the water so they can hold on until they are pulled to safety. On older labels it is called a Type IV device. It is not meant to be worn, and the AAP (opens in a new tab) notes it is not a toy and should be used only in a rescue.
What the rules say:
- the U.S. Coast Guard (opens in a new tab) requires boats longer than 16 feet to carry a Coast Guard-approved throwable device, though canoes and kayaks don't need one;
- the Coast Guard says throwable devices must be immediately available for use, not buried under gear (USCG (opens in a new tab));
- New York's rules match: vessels 16 feet and longer must also carry a throwable (NY State Parks (opens in a new tab)).
A throwable is a tool for the throw part of reach or throw, don't go. It does not replace wearing a life jacket. See what to do if someone falls off a boat and how to throw a ring buoy.
What you can do today: make sure the throwable on your boat is in easy reach of the helm, not in a locker.