Question 1

What is a tow float?

Accepted Answer

A tow float is a brightly coloured inflatable buoy that open water swimmers tow behind them on a waist belt, so boats, paddlers and lifeguards can see them. Ours doubles as a 28 litre dry bag, so your phone, keys and a dry layer swim with you and are still dry when you get out. It is not a swimming aid — it trails behind you on a belt rather than holding you up, and it works by making you visible to anyone else on the water.

Question 2

Do I need a tow float for open water swimming?

Accepted Answer

Nothing legally requires one, but visibility is the single biggest safety issue in open water. A swimmer's head is very hard to spot from a boat; a bright float on the surface behind you is not. Most organised UK open water venues and events either require a tow float or strongly recommend one, so it is worth checking before you travel.

Question 3

Will a tow float keep me afloat?

Accepted Answer

It has two air chambers, so it will support you if you want to stop for a breather or a chat mid-swim. But it should not be relied on as a safety or life-saving device, and it is not a substitute for a buoyancy aid. Treat it as a way to be seen and to rest, not as something that will keep you up if you get into trouble.

Question 4

Can I keep my phone in a tow float?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A premium waterproof phone case comes in the box and fits large and small smartphones. The windows are ultra-clear, so you can take photos and video or track your swim on Strava without taking the phone out.

Question 5

What fits inside a 28 litre tow float?

Accepted Answer

Plenty — this is the part most floats get wrong. There is room for a wallet or purse, keys, flip-flops, a dry t-shirt, shorts, and your phone in the waterproof case provided. Enough to walk to the water with everything you own and swim off with it.

Question 6

How does it attach to me?

Accepted Answer

On an adjustable waist belt that fits snugly around most waists — and if you need more room, two belts can be clipped together. The float also has two side carry straps, plus an extra shoulder strap in the box so you can carry your wet things home on your back afterwards.

Question 7

Which colour is best?

Accepted Answer

Any of them — all three are chosen to be highly visible on grey British water. It comes in orange, pink and light green, so pick whichever you like; the point is that it is bright, not which particular bright it is. If you swim in a group, different colours make it easier to tell each other apart.

Question 8

Can I use it in the sea as well as lakes and rivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — sea, lakes, lochs, rivers and reservoirs. It is made from a tough nylon with a PVC coating, so salt water is no problem. Rinse it with fresh water after sea swims and let it dry before you pack it away, the same as you would with a wetsuit.

Question 9

Does it come with a whistle?

Accepted Answer

It does. The whistle is there for getting attention if you need it — carrying a way to make noise is standard advice for open water, and it means you are not relying on shouting.

Question 10

Is the tow float covered by the 5 year guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Float bags are covered like the rest of our bags: register it and your 1 year guarantee extends to 5 years, so if any component fails we repair or replace it free of charge. Register your float here .

Tow Floats & Swim Buoys for Open Water Swimming

The float you can actually put things in

Being seen is the whole point

Highly visible

Whistle included

Two air chambers

Open water swimming kit

Tow Float, Swim Buoy, Highly Visible 28 l

Float bag waist strap

Ultra Dry waterproof changing robe with soft warm Sherpa Fleece Lining

Kids Size Ultra Dry Robe waterproof changing robe with soft warm Sherpa Fleece Lining

Ultra Dry LOVE Swimming ‘t’ Shirt

Somewhere to swim

Common questions

Tow float questions, answered

More on swimming outdoors