A swim ring (also known as an inflatable lifebelt, swim tube or rubber ring) is a toroid-shaped (hence the name “ring”) inflatable water toy.
The swim ring was derived from the inner tube, the inner, enclosed, inflatable part of older vehicle tires. The inner tube, when inflated, was used as a water toy, and as a floating object to lounge on.
A swim ring consists of two identically-sized layers of flat plastic, one of which contains a valve. The shape of each layer is like a large circle with a smaller, concentric circle removed. The two layers are joined at their inner and outer edges, sealing an air chamber inside.
Swim rings (also called “swimming rings”, “swimrings”, “inner tubes”, “innertubes”, “rubber rings” or “floaty/floaties”) are inflated with air and worn around the user’s torso, usually just under the arms, to hold the user above the water. They come in a variety of sizes to fit children through adults, though the larger sizes are often called “swim tubes” or just “tubes”.
In America, swim rings are typically viewed as the toys of children and are generally only found in smaller sizes in childish designs. Other countries, however, attach no such significance and they can be found in many styles and sizes being utilized by all age ranges. Also, in America, it is becoming a fashion trend that is being used to help motivate overweight kids and as a fashion accessory. It is just starting out, but is received with good enthusiasm by kids and adults all over America.
Other swim ring designs include baby swim neck rings, inflatable fun land and so on.
Words in other languages for swim ring include: Japanese — “ukiwa” (float belt); German — “schwimmring”;
