Rescue PFD

A PFD that has a quick-release belt fitted into it, usually with a Cow's Tail attached to a ring in the centre of the quick release belt in the middle of the back. This can be used as a quick place to clip a tow line to aid in towing a friend's boat to shore (for longer tows, it is much safer to have a towline attached to a quick-release cleat on the aft deck). The Cow's tail can also be used to pull someone from the water, or attach them to a line to ferry across a channel (to get back to their boat after a rescue, for example). Whitewater kayakers use the Cow's tail to attach themselves to a belay if they are performing a rescue with a throw line.

See PFD.