Combination wetsuit and flotation device, and method of use

A combination wetsuit and flotation device comprising:

• a wetsuit having a pocket located therein and retaining strap located within the pocket for securing a compressed gas canister within the pocket, the pocket having a flap movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the flap is in the closed position water is prevented from entering the pocket, the retaining strap having opposed ends secured to the wetsuit;
• an inflatable bladder in fluid connection with the compressed gas canister such that compressed gas may flow into the inflatable bladder;
• a pull cord for inflating the inflatable bladder, the pull cord coupled to a valve, the valve coupled to the compressed gas canister and the inflatable bladder, wherein when a user pulls the pull cord the valve opens to allow compressed gas to flow from the compressed gas canister into the inflatable bladder;
• means for deflating the inflatable bladder coupled to the inflatable bladder;
• and
• an inflation adjustment valve coupled to the inflatable bladder to allow a user to manually blow air into the inflatable bladder, the inflation adjustment valve comprising a one-way valve for allowing air into the inflatable bladder;
• wherein the means for deflating the inflatable bladder is a screw valve or a purge valve.

A combination wetsuit and flotation device consisting of:

• a wetsuit including a torso portion having a front portion and a rear portion, and a retaining strap for securing a compressed gas canister to the wetsuit, where the retaining strap having opposed ends secured to the wetsuit;
• an inflatable bladder integral with the front portion, the inflatable bladder in fluid connection with the compressed gas canister such that compressed gas may flow into the inflatable bladder;
• a pull cord for inflating the inflatable bladder, the pull cord coupled on one end to a valve and on the other end to a handle located exterior to the wetsuit, the valve coupled to the compressed gas canister and the inflatable bladder, wherein when a user pulls the handle, the valve opens to allow compressed gas to flow from the compressed gas canister into the inflatable bladder;
• an inflation adjustment valve coupled to the inflatable bladder to allow a user to manually blow air into the inflatable bladder, the inflation adjustment valve comprising a one-way valve for allowing air into the inflatable bladder;
• and
• a means for deflating the inflatable bladder coupled to the inflatable bladder;
• wherein the inflatable bladder includes two chest panels and a neck loop, where the inflation adjustment valve is coupled to one of the chest panels in proximity to the neck loop to allow a user to manually blow air into the inflatable bladder.