A lifesaving device having: (1) at least one set of flatwise, doughnut-shaped tubes of rubber, other plastic or thin metal, inflated with gas preferably at a pressure well above that of the atmosphere, having peripheries that are bonded together and tied by bands, cords or wire; (2) skin means comprising joined skins of plastic-impregnated fabric, plastic sheeting, plywood, thin metal or the like; (3) in some cases foamed plastic within the doughnut-shaped holes; (4) optionally, helium balloons in the foamed plastic; and, where the device serves as an article of furniture (table, chair or bed) until its use in life-preserving, (5) lower framework, comprising stacked doughnut-shaped tubes and a survival-kit storage container in this framework. The article of furniture may be inverted and floated as a life preserver. The structure of the invention also may be used as a life buoy or other buoy, a floatable mattress or part of a boat.