a life preserver comprising a buoyant toroidal body having spaced yieldable strap members surrounding at least a portion of the toroidal body , a length of rope extending around the inner periphery of the toroidal body and passing through the central portions of the strap members whereby the rope is maintained in a normal stowage position substantially adjacent the inner periphery of the toroidal body , the rope having the opposite ends thereof extending radially outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the toroidal body and through a passageway for connection with a retrieving cable whereby the rope may be moved radially inwardly against the force of the yieldable strap members to snugly engage the body of a victim disposed within the interior or central opening of the toroidal body to facilitate rescue of the victim without assist from the victim himself .