MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAME ON ALL YOUR GEAR!!
Purpose:

Helps swimmer develop:

• Upper body strength
• Proper alignment in the water
• Held between legs to neutralize kicking motion and increase upper body strength

The style and brand of buoy you purchase is not as important as getting the right size for your swimmer. 

• Small -  ages 4-8
• Medium -  developing swimmers 9 years and older
• Large -  older teens and adults

Examples of recommended Buoys

Vendor Sites:

Swim Outlet: 

http://www.swimoutlet.com/Pull_Buoys_s/330.htm

Kiefer: 

http://www.kiefer.com/Kiefer/dept.asp?0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D88%26Tree%3D%2CCompetitive%20Swim&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D5%26Tree%3D0%2CTraining&dept_id=50&Gift=false&GiftID=&mscssid=07073E6688DF74633A1D8ADE7D6F36D8

D&J Sport: 

http://djsports.com/categories.aspx?category=Swim+Gear&subcategory=Pull+Buoys

Kast-Away: 

http://www.kastawayswimwear.com/ProductDetail.aspx?id=1161&catid=18