6 Best Tow Floats For Securing Gear For Open Water Swimmers

There is nothing quite like the freedom of an open water swim, but that solitude comes with the absolute necessity of being seen and staying prepared. A reliable tow float does more than just provide a safety marker; it acts as your personal base camp for essentials while you navigate the currents. Choosing the right one transforms your swim from a nervous venture into a confident, well-equipped adventure.

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Essential Gear for Open Water Swimming Safety

When you leave the safety of the pool lane, you enter a world where visibility is your primary defense against boat traffic and jet skis. A tow float is essentially a brightly colored, inflatable dry bag that trails behind you on a leash, making you instantly recognizable to those on the shore or in the water. Beyond visibility, these floats provide a crucial flotation aid if you encounter a cramp or simply need to catch your breath.

Safety in the water isn’t just about what you wear, but what you carry with you. Many swimmers mistakenly believe that a simple swim cap is enough, but in choppy conditions or low light, a cap is easily lost against the glare of the sun. A high-visibility float ensures that your presence is accounted for, allowing you to focus on your stroke rather than scanning the horizon for potential hazards.

New Wave Swim Buoy: Best for High Visibility

If your primary concern is being seen by boaters in busy shipping lanes or choppy coastal waters, the New Wave Swim Buoy is the gold standard. Its vibrant, neon-colored fabric is engineered to cut through the reflection of the sun, ensuring you remain a bright beacon even in difficult light. It is a no-nonsense piece of kit that prioritizes safety above all else.

While it lacks the massive storage capacity of some dedicated dry bags, it offers enough room for a phone case or a set of car keys. This buoy is perfect for the swimmer who wants a lightweight, ultra-visible companion that won’t drag behind them like an anchor. If you prioritize peace of mind and constant visibility, this is the buoy you need in your gear bag.

Phelps Safety Dry Bag: Best for Gear Storage

The Phelps Safety Dry Bag is built for the swimmer who treats the lake like a day trip. It features a robust, roll-top dry bag compartment that keeps your gear bone-dry, even when you’re swimming through heavy swells. The construction is incredibly durable, designed to withstand the wear and tear of rocky shore entries and long-distance training sessions.

This is the ideal choice for those who want to swim from point A to point B without worrying about leaving their valuables unattended on the beach. It offers a generous capacity, meaning you can comfortably store a towel, sandals, and a change of clothes without the bag feeling unbalanced. For the swimmer who values utility and security, the Phelps is an investment that pays off every time you hit the water.

The Buddy Swim Buoy: Best for Dual Chambers

The Buddy Swim Buoy stands out because of its ingenious dual-chamber design. Unlike standard single-chamber floats, this model allows you to inflate the safety air compartment separately from the storage area. This provides an extra layer of security; even if the outer shell suffers a puncture, the internal air chamber remains intact to keep you afloat.

This design is particularly beneficial for swimmers who push their limits in colder, more unpredictable waters where equipment failure is not an option. It is slightly bulkier than a minimalist float, but the trade-off in safety is well worth the extra drag. If you are a safety-conscious swimmer who wants the highest level of redundancy, the Buddy Swim Buoy is your best bet.

ISHOE Inflatable Float: Best Lightweight Pick

For those who find traditional tow floats too cumbersome or restrictive, the ISHOE Inflatable Float is a breath of fresh air. It is remarkably minimalist, focusing on a streamlined shape that barely registers on your waist as you swim. It provides just enough buoyancy to be useful without feeling like you are towing a small boat behind you.

This float is perfect for competitive swimmers or those focusing on speed and technique who still want to adhere to safety protocols. While it isn’t designed to carry a week’s worth of supplies, it handles the essentials with ease. If you want to maintain your natural stroke rhythm without sacrificing visibility, the ISHOE is the most unobtrusive option on the market.

HUUB Tow Float: Best for Streamlined Swimming

HUUB is a brand synonymous with performance, and their tow float is designed with the triathlete in mind. It features a sleek, hydrodynamic profile that minimizes drag, allowing you to maintain your pace even during long-distance training. It sits perfectly behind your hips, ensuring that it doesn’t interfere with your kick or cause unnecessary friction.

This float is the ultimate choice for the athlete who refuses to compromise on their swim mechanics. It provides high visibility through its bright color scheme without the boxy shape that often causes water resistance. If you are training for a race and need a float that works with your body rather than against it, the HUUB is the professional’s choice.

Wild Swim Dry Bag: Best for Long Distance Use

The Wild Swim Dry Bag is built for the adventurers who spend hours exploring inland lochs and coastal bays. Its reinforced seams and heavy-duty material are designed to survive the rigors of long-distance swimming where you might be dragging the bag over sand or through reeds. It has a high volume capacity, perfect for carrying hydration and nutrition for those marathon sessions.

This bag is essentially a mobile locker that stays with you, providing a resting point for your arms when you need to refuel. It is not the lightest option, but for long-distance endurance, the trade-off for comfort and capacity is essential. If your swims are measured in miles rather than minutes, the Wild Swim Dry Bag is the reliable partner you need.

Selecting the Right Buoy for Your Swim Needs

Choosing the right buoy comes down to balancing your specific environment with your swimming goals. If you are swimming in a high-traffic area, prioritize the brightest color and the largest profile you can find. Conversely, if you are focusing on speed and technique in a quiet lake, a more streamlined, lightweight option will serve you better.

Don’t ignore the importance of the leash length and the waist belt comfort. A poorly adjusted belt will chafe your skin after an hour of swimming, turning a pleasant session into a painful one. Always look for adjustable, wide waist straps that distribute the weight of the buoy evenly across your hips.

Proper Packing Tips for Your Dry Bag Float

Packing a dry bag float is an art form that ensures both your gear stays dry and your buoyancy remains balanced. Always place your heaviest items at the bottom of the bag to keep the center of gravity low, which prevents the bag from flipping over in the water. Never overstuff the bag; you need to be able to roll the top down at least three times to create an airtight seal.

Before you head out, double-check that no sharp objects, like keys or metal zippers, are pressing against the inside of the bag. Even the toughest material can develop a pinhole leak if a sharp edge is rubbing against it for an hour. A quick tip: wrap your electronics in an additional small waterproof pouch before placing them inside the dry bag for double protection.

Maintaining Your Tow Float for Longevity

Your tow float works hard, so give it some love after every swim. Saltwater is particularly harsh on the plastic valves and the nylon webbing of the straps, so always rinse your buoy thoroughly with fresh water after a coastal session. This prevents salt crystals from building up and causing the valve to stick or the webbing to fray.

Store your buoy in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. UV rays are the primary enemy of inflatable gear, as they can cause the material to become brittle and lose its color over time. By taking these simple steps, you ensure that your safety gear remains reliable and ready for your next open water adventure.

Investing in a quality tow float is the single most important step you can take to elevate your open water swimming experience. By matching your specific needs—whether that is speed, storage, or maximum visibility—to the right piece of gear, you gain the confidence to explore further. Stay safe, stay visible, and enjoy every stroke in the open water.