A safety device includes an elongate tubular member formed of a buoyant material having gripping surfaces disposed on distal and proximal ends thereof. The elongate tubular member is positionable between initial and second positions. First and second appendages are disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal and distal ends of the elongate tubular member. A tether assembly is operably associated with the elongate tubular member and includes one or more couplings and a tether for releasably fixing the elongate tubular member in one or more second positions.