Question 1

What size dry bag do I need for swimming?

Accepted Answer

20 litres is probably the best idea. That holds a normal towel and a full change of clothes. If you bring a changing robe as well, go up to 30 litres. A 10 litre can work if you pack light with a microfibre towel, but it is a squeeze with a beach towel. Every size is compared here .

Question 2

Where do I keep my phone while I swim?

Accepted Answer

For a proper swim, say half an hour or more, put your phone in its waterproof case, or in a pouch with your car keys and cards, and put that inside a tow float clipped to your waist. Don't hang it round your neck. Your phone can still track your swim from inside the float. Double-bagging any device like this is simply good practice.

Question 3

What do I do with my car keys when I swim?

Accepted Answer

Take them with you rather than leaving them on the shore. Modern keys have batteries, so put them in a pouch with your phone, cards and cash, then put the pouch inside your tow float. Double-bagging anything valuable is simply good practice: a second layer of protection against the unexpected.

Question 4

Is a waterproof pouch OK for swimming?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can swim with one on fine, so it is ideal for relaxed holiday swims: playing in the sea with the kids, a dip off the beach, somewhere you are never far from the shore. You can use one on longer swims too, but for anything over half an hour we would put the phone in its case inside a tow float: it is more comfortable, and it keeps the risk to a minimum.

Question 5

Do I need to buy a phone case separately?

Accepted Answer

No. A waterproof phone case, IPX8 rated to 100 ft, comes free with every dry bag and with the tow float. It measures 10 cm by 17.5 cm and fits smartphones with a screen up to 6 inches. The case is made for your phone. If you want to take your car keys too, a waterproof pouch holds your phone and keys comfortably together. Or keep the case for your phone and put your keys in a zip-lock bag, inside the tow float. Double-bagging any device is just good practice.

Question 6

Can I leave my bag on the beach while I swim?

Accepted Answer

Your towel and clothes, yes. Your valuables, no: keep your phone, car keys, cards and cash with you, in a pouch or the phone case inside your tow float, so there is nothing worth taking left on the beach. The bag itself is IPX6 rated ( what that means ): rain, spray and a wave over them don't get in, and they shrug off a quick dunk of up to about five seconds. Roll the top down tightly three times and clip it. Keep it above the tide line all the same.

Question 7

Does a tow float keep me afloat?

Accepted Answer

It is not a safety aid, so it mustn't be relied on to keep you afloat. There is usually enough air in it to hold on and take a breather, but that is a bonus, not a plan. Its real jobs are making you easy to see and keeping your things dry. In open water, always swim within your limits.

Question 8

Is it covered by the 5 year guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Every dry bag and the tow float are. Register yours and the 1 year guarantee extends to 5 years — if any component fails we repair or replace it free of charge. Register here .

Dry Bags for Swimming

Two jobs, two different bags

On the shore: 20 litres or 30 litres

In the water: case inside a float

On holiday: a pouch

What to take for each swim

Dry Bag Backpack 20l Premium Waterproof Bag

Waterproof Rucksack Dry Bag 30 Litre.

Tow Float, Swim Buoy, Highly Visible 28 l

Waterproof pouches for phones 2 pack

Worth knowing before you choose

Open water swims coming up

Common questions

Dry bags for swimming

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