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If you enjoy a bit of open water swimming and want to feel more safe in the water, a tow float is a useful piece of kit to consider.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Tow floats are also useful for storing dry gear and valuables, as well as offeing a float to rest and recover on during a swim set.<\/p>\n A tow float is a floatation device that open water swimmers use to increase their visibility in the water. They are lightweight to keep drag to a minimum and are brightly coloured, normally florescent orange, pink or yellow, to stand out from the water. This should alert your presence to other water users, including boats, and help you attract attention in case of emergency.<\/p>\n Another use of a tow float is as an inflated aid to hold on to in the water, to either use in an emergency or grab hold of to take a much needed breather during a hard workout.<\/p>\n Many floats are now made with a \u2018dual chamber\u2019 which splits the inside of the float into sections: one side holds air to create buoyancy, and the other side acts as a handy dry bag for valuables, with extra layers to protect the insides in case of puncture.<\/p>\n Tow floats are often mandatory for \u2018skins\u2019 swimmers (those swimming without a buoyant wetsuit), beginners, and children, as they offer that bit more security and peace of mind to a nervous newbie.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Tow floats are known as swim buoys and can also be called inflatable dry bags or tow buoys. Wording differs because not all tow floats include the same components.<\/p>\n Some will be your bog-standard floats with a waist rope to attach to the swimmer, and others will include more components like extra dry-bag compartments for stashing valuables as you swim, attachments to hook on straps and use as a backpack on dry land, and an attached safety whistle to attract the attention of those around you in an emergency.<\/p>\n Simply stuff your valuables in the \u2018dry bag\u2019 section of the float, if your float has this feature, and roll up the top to seal. Then attach the float around your waist like a belt, allowing the adjustable leash to trail behind you when swimming.<\/p>\n If the conditions are choppy, you may find that the float bumps against you when in motion, so try and arrange the float to flow away from you with the direction of the wind.<\/p>\n Take a break by wrapping your arms around the float and floating, or use as a kickboard if you don\u2019t want to put your head beneath the water. Tow floats are especially handy for those susceptible to cramp, offering a safe means of rest until the cramp subsides.<\/p>\n Want to give tow floats a go? Below we pick some of the top tow floats. Picks are based on a combination of our gear testers\u2019 experience, in-depth research, and analysis of user reviews.<\/p>\nWhat is a tow float and what do they do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is a tow float the same as a swim buoy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How do you use a tow float?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best tow floats for open-water swimming<\/strong><\/h2>\n
WildPaces Tow Float<\/strong><\/h3>\n