Boat Safety Throw Rings

A throw ring is a flotation device designed to be thrown to a person in the water to provide buoyancy until they can be rescued; use one whenever boating with passengers, in areas with strong currents, or any time there is risk of someone falling overboard

Choose a ring with sufficient buoyancy to support an adult — common throw rings provide enough buoyancy for a single person; check product specs for flotation force or weight capacity and pick a size that balances visibility and ease of throwing (usually 18–30 inches outer diameter)

Look for rings made from UV- and saltwater-resistant materials such as vinyl or closed-cell foam, reinforced seams or straps, reflective tape, and high-contrast colors (orange or red) to improve long-term durability and visibility in daylight and low-light conditions

A throw ring with an attached floating line is recommended for reaching and retrieving a person; typical lines are 30–75 feet long — choose a length suited to your boating environment (longer for larger vessels or open water, shorter for confined spaces)

Rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt, inspect for cuts, abrasions, compromised seams, or mildew, check reflective tape and attachment points, and store out of direct sunlight to extend service life; replace if flotation is lost or structural damage is found

Many throw rings comply with national or regional marine safety standards requiring specific buoyancy and labeling; check product listings for applicable approvals (such as coast guard or marine authority listings) if regulations apply in your area

Throw rings in the recreational boating market commonly range from budget options under $50 to higher-end models with extra features or longer lines; choose based on required features like material quality, line length, and certification