Which equipment is specifically designed to assist with water rescues and features a flotation device?

The equipment specifically designed to assist with water rescues and that features a flotation device is the throw bag. A throw bag contains a buoyant line that can be tossed to a person in distress on the water. This allows rescuers to extend a lifeline without entering the water themselves, enabling them to provide vital support and retrieve the person safely.

What makes the throw bag particularly effective in water rescues is its ease of use; it can be quickly deployed to individuals who may be struggling in turbulent waters. The flotation aspect is key, as it helps ensure that the individual remains buoyant while awaiting assistance.

In contrast, a rescue rope may not specifically include buoyancy features, making it less effective for water rescues where flotation is crucial. A life jacket is indeed a flotation device, but it is worn by the individual rather than being specifically designed for deployment in rescue scenarios. A rescue board could also be considered in some rescue contexts, but its primary purpose is to support individuals in water and is typically used by trained personnel in situations that require boarding rather than solo rescues. Thus, the throw bag stands out as the optimal choice in this context.