Un salvavidas (o también aro salvavidas) es una especie de flotador, que en virtud de convenios internacionales para la protección de la vida humana en el mar, está previsto como obligatorio entre el equipamiento de seguridad de barcos, yates y en general en cualquier tipo de embarcación a partir de cierto tamaño, con el propósito de ser utilizado para rescatar náufragos o desaparecidos en el mar (o en otras grandes extensiones de agua), así como para mantenerlos a flote y evitar que se ahoguen. Generalmente tiene forma toroidal y se ata a una cuerda que se utiliza para levantar el cuerpo de la persona que se pretende salvar. Algunas versiones modernas están equipadas con pequeñas luces y/o tiras reflectantes para facilitar las operaciones de rescate en la noche. Las dimensiones comunes de estos aros son de medidas:Ø exterior 73 cmØ interior 44 cmPeso: 2,5 kg

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A lifebuoy, ring buoy, lifering, lifesaver, life donut, life preserver or lifebelt, also known as a "kisby ring" or "perry buoy", is a life saving buoy designed to be thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. Some modern lifebuoys are fitted with one or more seawater-activated lights, to aid rescue at night. The lifebuoy is usually ring- or horseshoe-shaped and has a connecting line allowing the casualty to be pulled to the rescuer in a boat. They are carried by ships and are also located beside bodies of water that have the depth or potential to drown someone. They are often subjected to vandalism which, since the unavailability of lifebuoys could lead to death, may be punished by fines (up to £5,000 in the United Kingdom) or imprisonment. The "kisby ring", or sometimes "Kisbie ring", is thought to be named after Thomas Kisbee (1792–1877) who was a British naval officer. The UK Royal Life Saving Society considers lifebuoys unsuitable for use in swimming pools because throwing one into a busy pool could injure the casualty or other pool users. In these locations, lifebuoys have been superseded by devices such as the torpedo buoy. In the United States, Coast Guard approved lifebuoys are considered Type IV personal flotation devices. At least one Type IV PFD is required on all boats 16 feet or more in length, except canoes and kayaks.

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