Patent ID: 6971935

Claim:
A floatation swimsuit comprising: a form-fitting torso covering, said form-fitting torso covering including a retaining pocket; a unitary floatation element for retention by said retaining pocket, said unitary floatation element including: a backsheet comprising a layer of buoyant material having a thickness within a first predetermined range for providing general buoyancy to a wearer, said backsheet including an inner surface for presentation toward a wearer and an outer surface for presentation away from a wearer; and a plurality of raised portions integrally carried by said backsheet in fixed relative positions for providing enhanced buoyancy to strategically selected areas of the wearer's body, each of said raised portions comprising a buoyant material having a thickness substantially greater than that of said backsheet and each of said raised portions extending outwardly from said outer surface of said backsheet; wherein said retaining pocket includes a sheet of fabric having an indicator dye which bleaches upon exposure to the elements to notify the wearer of degradation of the swimsuit components.