What device is meant to be thrown to a person in distress in the water?

The appropriate device to be thrown to a person in distress in the water is the Type IV throwable device. This classification includes items such as life rings or buoyant cushions that are specifically designed for quick deployment and can be easily thrown to individuals who need assistance in the water.

Type IV throwable devices are beneficial because they provide immediate flotation assistance without requiring the user to put it on, which is especially useful in emergency situations where every second counts. They can be tossed to a struggling swimmer, allowing them to grab onto it for support and stay afloat until help arrives.

In contrast, a Type I Personal Flotation Device is designed for wear, providing buoyancy to the individual, and a life jacket is a type of wearable flotation device. While both can save lives, they are not throwable devices intended for immediate distress situations. Rescue buoys may also provide assistance, but they generally serve different purposes, such as being anchored, rather than being thrown directly to someone in need.