Inflatable Float and Dive Flag

We purchased this inflatable float to allow us to snorkel safely and legally further away from the boat. Since we travel on a small sailboat, space is limited, so the fact that this was inflatable was attractive as well. We used it several times over this winter in the Keys and found it worked well. To use it, you need to fill the bottom cavity with water and seal it. This was probably the only part of using it that was tricky. If the plug for this "ballast" chamber wasn't closed securely, the water would leak out and it wouldn't float upright. (We didn't put seawater in the chamber because this would smell badly over time.) With the plug in place, it was just a matter of inflating the body and popping in the flag. We keep a line tied to the bottom when we store it, so I just slip this over my wrist and I'm on my way. I love it!

It is heavier vinyl plastic than I expected. Should hold up better. The flag inserts into a hole in the top. It inserts into a pocket that goes neatly thru the center of the float. Just be gentle when inserting so you do not puncture the main bladder. There is a water ballast compartment in the bottom to keep the float upright. It does a tolerable job but the flag will flop over if there is a stiff wind. Still it should keep propellers away from you while you snorkel.

As advertised. I think this guy swimming every day. Inserting the flag was tricky. Due to lack of instructions, it took a lot of faith to break the seal on the buoy and press the flag in. It goes in fine. We did take the extra precaution since we swim in open water, to get some epoxy and secure the flag so a wave or high wind wouldn't take it out and separate it from the buoy. By the way, my wife can now see me from a distance swimming in the bay where before she could not. I believe swimming with this in an area where dingy's and speed boats could come in too fast adds a great deal to my safety and longevity.

As some one else stated, the flag is very thick so it does not stay extended, Easily fixable with a wire hanger.Lastly the flag pole does not attach to the base. it only slides in to a hole at the top. I had the flag and pole come out of the float twice with in 10 minutes of use at the beach.I would suggest glueing it in or taping it in to the float before getting in the water because I almost lost the flag completely.Other then that the material is very good quality and it is pretty big. if you stay in calm waters your flag will be visible!

Previous review nailed it on flag and "pole". Listen folks, this isn't going to help you if you stray while snorkeling. Drunks with outboards are not known for paying attention. This is a prudent thing to place, but get your head up and look if you hear a boat approaching. Never trust.

This float works but if you dive a lot i'd recommend something more solid. but for the price it's good and haven't had a single issue with it.

Good product, reasonable price. Filling the bottom with water for weight and stability is a little difficult.

I have found to float to be very easy to use and very visible to others in the area, especially fishermen.