Inflatable Diver Signal Buoy

These don't take up much space but would well be worth carrying should you go in the drink while the swells are up.

The buoy doesn't take much space deflated -- I carry one of these on my BC when diving offshore.  When inflated it becomes a long orange tube about 5-6 feet long that helps you be seen from the troughs.


http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Aquatics-Signal-Inflator-Whistle/dp/B00X4MHH6Q/ref=lp_3406511_1_4?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1453224199&sr=1-4

Does the float have a weight at one end which keeps it upright?  Or would a person in the water need to hang on to it to keep it upright?  Does it have a grommet for a leash?

Does the float have a weight at one end which keeps it upright?  Or would a person in the water need to hang on to it to keep it upright?  Does it have a grommet for a leash?

Mine has a plastic clip I attach to my BC when diving.  If you're in the water and need to use it, you hang on and wave it around.  I guess you could weight one end, but holding it aloft and waving it seems a better way to get attention.

So you go overboard, loose your boat, and somehow get ahold of this thing and blow it up? 5-6 feet long, eh. I'm not convinced that's a practical solution.

Yes, it's a visibility aid.

There was one dive I wished I had this when surfacing in bad weather, as it would have helped the dive boat see our group.

The device doesn't take much space or weight, and doesn't need batteries.  If you're in the water or if you loose propulsion (paddle, etc.) this can help you be seen by passing boats.   The way I see it, a diver with only a head above the water and a kayaker with a PFD or even on a "disabled" kayak doesn't have much change of being seen by nearby vessels if the swell is up.  YMMV.