[fatlazyless]

Anyone remember those old waterski belts from 30-40 years ago. Overton's has them in updated design with a nylon belt, plastic clip(s) and closed cell vinyl foam flotation. No one has mentioned the flotation belt. While they do not qualify as an approved device they facilitate swimming better than an approved pfd because they are worn around one's waist. Costing about fifteen or twenty dollars and available in single or double strap models in either white or bright yellow, they are much less bulky than a flotation vest, more comfortable and could be considered.

When sailing alone on a windy day, it's possible to comfortably wear both a pfd and a ski belt below the pfd, especially if you are a natural sinker.

For extra padding from getting boomed-on-the-brain by a flying aluminum jibe while avoiding a 47'-12000lb-1680hp-gfbl that zips safely past, a legal 150' away, I like to wear the waist belt around my head (smiley face ha-ha) !