What are the best tow floats for open-water swimming? Swim coach tests 9 top options for safety and visibility
Tow floats are vital pieces of kit for open water swimming. Want to know why and which one to go for? Here's our guide...
If you enjoy a bit of open-water swimming and want to feel more safe and visible in the water, a tow float is a useful piece of kit to consider.
Tow floats are useful for storing dry gear and valuables, as well as offering a float for rest and recovery during a swim set. Along with swim changing robes, they’re one of my top gear picks for open-water swimming sessions. Here I’ve tested some top options from key open-water brands including Swim Secure, Lomo, and Zoggs. If you want to learn more about tow floats and their uses, simply scroll down to the bottom for our guide and how to use one effectively during open water swims.
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Best tow floats at a glance
The Tri-Fit DryBag Backpack Buoy (buy) is incredibly versatile, good value, and functional for swims where you want to carry your valuables in safety.
The Swim Secure Tow Donut (buy) is a compact float that comes with an integrated dry bag and is easy to clip on at the waist.
The Zoggs Hi Viz Xlite Swim Buoy (buy) is a simple yet high-quality tow float that ticks the safety boxes at a very reasonable, sub-£30 price point.
The Quintana Roo Swim Buoy (buy) is a simple yet effective swim buoy in a super bright yellow colourway for both the buoy and belt.
The Lomo Dry Bag Swim Float (buy) is ideal for longer swims or when you need extra storage, thanks to the twin chamber capacity.
The Swim Secure Hydration Float (buy) is handy if you need hydration or liquid fuel on a longer or very hot swim, with good features as you’d expect from Swim Secure.
The Buddy Swim Dyback Backpack Swim Buoy (buy) has great safety features and a super practical multi-function design.
Best tow floats for open-water swimming in 2026
Best overall tow float
1. Tri-Fit DryBag Backpack Buoy
220 Triathlon Verdict
A reliable and spacious tow float that doubles up as a rucksack.
Pros
- Highly visible
- Good capacity and comfortable
- Versatile
Cons
- Hard to think of any!
| Specifications | Tri-Fit DryBag Backpack Buoy |
|---|---|
| Key features | Inner dry bag, detachable backpack straps, wide belt, mesh front pouch, grab handles. |
| Capacity | 28L |
| Material | 190T Nylon PVC, one size |
This new buoy from Tri-Fit doubles as a drybag and rucksack and is in a nice visible orange (let’s not forget that being seen in the water is the primary function!). It feels sturdy and well-made, and the large 28-litre capacity was capacious enough to allow me to get all kinds of essentials inside that I didn’t want to leave on the side as I swam (a small towel, phone and flip-flops slid in with room for more).
The waist belt was wide with some stretch, so it felt comfortable, and the sturdy buckle locked in place and also included a nifty whistle. Meanwhile, backpack straps can be removed and tucked inside while you swim. The front mesh pocket is welcome for waterproof bits and bobs (like packets of sweets).
Best for versatility
2. Swim Secure Tow Donut
220 Triathlon Verdict
Neat variation on the classic tow float that combines visibility with a dry bag. The perfect partner for long swims or events when you need to carry essentials or fuel. Score: 90%
Pros
- Compact
- Accessible dry bag
- Handy for valuables
Cons
- Bag
- Single air chamber
- Smaller size float
| Specifications | Swim Secure Tow Donut |
|---|---|
| Key features | Small dry bag accessible in water, emergency contact details section, one way valves, belt. |
| Dimensions | 43cmx35cm deflated; 58-108cm belt |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange or pink. |
When is a tow float not just a tow float? Answer: when it’s also a donut. The Swim Secure Tow Donut is designed with a small, integrated dry bag in the middle, which is ideal for carrying valuables such as keys and a phone – perfect if you’re swimming on a beach or your local open-water venue has yet to install lockers.
Swim Secure recommends its Phone Bag for added waterproofing and I’d go along with that, even if it’s just for peace of mind. The tow float pictured has accompanied me on many long swims (including the length of Lake Coniston twice, the length of Lake Bala twice and many other swims where I needed things with me) and although it doesn’t leak as such, water can splash in if you are accessing kit while in the water.
Where this float really comes into its own is on long swims where you need hydration or nutrition with you. That central bag is unbeatable for stashing all your event fuel in, while still being able to access it mid-swim. This is something you can’t do with the larger dry bag tow floats. The Tow Donut secures around the waist via a leash and the overall lean weight ensures that it doesn’t obstruct your swim.
Best value tow float
3. Zoggs Hi Viz Xlite Swim Buoy
220 Triathlon Verdict
Simple buoy which feels good quality and includes a useful handle on the top. Reasonable price, too. Score: 80%
Pros
- Simple design
- Handle on top
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No storage
- Single chamber
- Black strap
| Specifications | Zoggs Hi Viz Xlite Swim Buoy |
|---|---|
| Key features | Integrated dry bag pocket, one way valve, hand grip, belt. |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange |
The buoy in the photos here is a slightly older version of the Xlite from Zoggs, but the fundamental design has stayed the same. The good news? The new version is now sold in collaboration with the RNLI and a donation from every sale goes to helping save more lives at sea. This older version is still available online though.
As for the spec here, this is a smaller tow float but that means it’s portable and easy to forget about when swimming. The orange colour is easily spotted from a distance. The strap here is nice quality. So often this is skimped on with tow floats, but here it’s wide and sturdy. It’s also easy to adjust. I would question the choice of black on a high-viz safety item, though. It’s helpful to be able to see the straps in the water from a safety point of view.
I liked the handle on top of this buoy. It makes it easy to carry and can be used to attach things to (e.g. flip flops!) with a carabiner. At a push, it also makes it handy for assisting another swimmer in the water too. This makes it handy if you’re swimming with others who are less confident in open water (though ideally, they would have their own floats too!).
Best for visibility
4. Quintana Roo Swim Buoy
220 Triathlon Verdict
Simple but functional tow float. Great bright colour and sturdy design. No-frills but easily packable. Score: 80%
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy to stash
- Bright float and strap
Cons
- No storage
- Single chamber
- No handle
| Specifications | Quintana Roo Swim Buoy |
|---|---|
| Key features | Integrated dry bag pocket, one way valve, belt. |
| Sizes/colours | One size; yellow |
Another straightforward design, the swim buoy from tri bike and wetsuit brand Quintana Roo doesn’t do anything spectacular, but it does what you need it to if you only want a tow float for short or occasional swims.
The design here is a simple buoy with strap attachment and screw-top valve to inflate it. I liked the bright yellow which made a difference from all the orange on test.
The brightly-coloured strap is easily adjustable and made from sturdy webbing.
I’d choose this float if I needed one that can be packed down small, for example if you wanted to carry it in your kit bag or in your car to inflate when needed.
Best for storage
5. Lomo Dry Bag Swimming Float with Mesh Pouch
220 Triathlon Verdict
Superb for longer swims and for multi-swim adventures where you may need a few essentials. Twin chambers add reliability to an already sturdy package. Score: 90%
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- Twin chambers
- Outer mesh pocket
Cons
- Large size not for everyone
- Heavier/bulkier to carry
| Specifications | Lomo Dry Bag Swimming Float with Mesh Pouch |
|---|---|
| Key features | Integrated dry bag pocket, one way valve, outer mesh pouch, belt. |
| Dimensions | 57cmx26cm inflated; max 113cm long waist belt |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange |
Lomo are my go-to brand for good quality swimming kit at bargain prices. On that theme, the Dry Bag Swimming Float certainly ticks both boxes. This is a large float, with a capacious 57 x 27cm (22″ x 11″) space for your essentials. I easily fitted in a towel and a pair of flip flops, as well as my phone in a second waterproof pouch (just to be ultra sure it stayed dry!).
A lot of thought has gone into the construction of this float. Lomo have used high quality materials and RF-welded seams for strength and durability. An internal plastic skirt has been added to the entrance of the dry bag which seals it further against water ingress when rolled down.
There are two inflatable chambers. One on each side of the dry bag pouch and each with its own valve, meaning if one fails the buoy will still float. Uniquely, this float also has a mesh pocket on the outside. While not waterproof, this is perfect for housing items you need to access mid-swim and don’t mind getting wet. I used it in testing for carrying my nutrition on longer swims. The webbing strap is sturdy and attached with a carabiner. All in all, this is a quality tow float with many features at a great price.
Best for carrying water
6. Swim Secure Hydration Float
220 Triathlon Verdict
Handy if you need hydration or liquid fuel on a longer or very hot swim, with good features as you’d expect from Swim Secure. Score: 85%
Pros
- Able to carry hydration
- Sturdy, well made
- Great visibility
Cons
- Not everyone will need this feature
- Limited to carrying bottle
| Specifications | Swim Secure Hydration Float |
|---|---|
| Key features | Bottle pocket for hydration in-water, one way valve, contact details section, belt. |
| Dimensions | 43cmx35cm deflated; 58-108cm waist belt length |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange |
The only float in this test to allow easy access to a drinks bottle, I was curious to see how I’d get on with it. Would it stay flat in the water, or flip over? Well, thanks to a clever design, it did a great job of staying the correct way up. The float is inflated via a valve as usual, but then there is an angled gap in the top where a bottle can be slid into place. I used normal-sized bike bottles, which fit perfectly. Swim Secure recommend a 750ml/25fl. oz bottle.
There is a drain hole in the float too, so even if water does splash into the bottle holder, it quickly drains out again. The float is 43 x 35cm (16″ x 14″) and comes in high viz orange. You may not need this for shorter swims (or just use it without a bottle in), but for long swims where hydration and energy are needed, it’s just superb.
Best rucksack hybrid
7. Buddy Swim Dyback Backpack Swim Buoy
220 Triathlon Verdict
Great safety features and lots of practicality here, though a bit fiddly with numb fingers. Score: 80%
Pros
- Versatile, multi-functional design
- Generous storage
- Good safety features
Cons
- Toggles a bit fiddly and strap tends to tangle
| Specifications | Buddy Swim Dyback Backpack Swim Buoy |
|---|---|
| Key features | 28L tow float, inner dry bag, detachable backpack straps, front mesh pocket, belt. |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange, pink, yellow |
Typically have to take three products on your swim adventures? Not now…Yes, this nifty little product from new-to-220 brand Buddy Swim is a tow float which also encompasses a dry bag for carrying your swim essentials as you swim. So far, so normal. What’s different here though is that this tow float also comes with a detachable section on the back which allows you to turn it into a backpack. Perfect if you enjoy swim adventures with the need to carry your kit in between multiple swims – or just back to the car afterwards.
The volume here is 28-litres which is pretty capacious and while you might not get as much in it as a regular rucksack (well not if you still want to inflate the chamber as well), it’s definitely big enough for a light pair of trainers/flip flops, a light jacket and a thin towel. There’s also a mesh pocket on the top which I found ideal for energy gels. A whistle is a nice safety feature. All in I enjoyed using the buoy and can see a lot of appeal here.
My only caveat would be the toggles that remove the backpack straps were a bit fiddly with cold hands and there are quite a few of them to operate – plus you can end up with a tangle of straps/leashes if you’re not careful. Overall though, it’s a nifty item that I’d happily use for some of my long adventures.
Recommended
8. Tri-Fit Hydration Swim Buoy
220 Triathlon Verdict
A safe and highly visible tow float that can also carry hydration. However, execution could be better.
Pros
- Highly visible
- Hydration bladder
- Versatile
Cons
- Fiddly and tries to do too much
| Specifications | Tri-Fit Hydration Swim Buoy |
|---|---|
| Key features | Internal hydration bladder with external tube, waterproof phone window and phone case, inner storage, grab handles, soft bite valve. |
| Capacity | 1L + 1L hydration bladder (removeable) |
| Material | 190T Nylon PVC, one size |
This bright pink float from tri-Fit is a little more complicated than the above buoy/backpack and comes with a hydration bladder, tube with bite valve, mobile phone pocket, and waterproof mobile phone holder as a package. I did like the idea here, and as a swimmer who’s done swims of six hours or more, the hydration side was very useful.
The holes for the tube allow water inside, though, so the phone holder got wet and then stuck itself to the float and was also fiddly to operate with wet hands. As for scores? It depends on your needs but I’m giving this one 4/5 stars, as it’s still functional and will keep you safe in the water.
9. Lomo Swim Run Rucksack Tow Float
| Specifications | Lomo Swim Run Rucksack Tow Float |
|---|---|
| Key features | Inner dry bag, detachable backpack straps, belt. |
| Dimensions | 32cmx54cm; 113cm log waist belt |
| Sizes/colours | One size; orange |
This Lomo tow float doubles up as both a rucksack and a tow float, which is ideal for swim run adventures. Detachable rucksack straps come with the bag, as well as a waist strap for pulling the float behind you as you swim. This set-up should prove ideal for carrying the float with you as you run, as well as transitioning into pulling the float behind you as you swim, with a inner dry-bag chamber for keeping valuables dry.
The rucksack straps are designed with in-built padding for comfort, as well as a chest strap connecting the two across the front. Dimensions of this Lomo float when inflated are 54cm by 31cm, which means it should be plenty big enough to grab hold of for rests when swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions about tow floats
A tow float in its most basic form, is an inflatable plastic ‘balloon’ used in open water swimming, which you attach to your waist via a strap. Light in weight to reduce drag, it then floats on the surface of the water behind you. The main benefit of this is you instantly become much more visible in the water (though there are other benefits, which we will come on to). They’re lightweight to keep drag to a minimum and are brightly coloured, normally fluorescent orange, pink or yellow, to stand out from the water. This should alert other water users to your presence, including boats, and help you attract attention in case of emergency.
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. 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.
I would recommend anyone training in open water think about using a tow float. The extra visibility they give you is invaluable in training swims where you may not have water safety staff to hand. A bright tow float (most are fluro orange or yellow) will warn other water users that you are there. It will help you be seen by other swimmers, boats, SUPs and water craft so there is less likely of someone accidentally knocking into you.
If swimming with someone else it will help them stay with you, or if relying on a spotter on the shore it will help them keep you in sight. Should the worst happen and you need assistance in the water, then a tow float will help rescue teams get to you much more easily. Another good tip is to write your ICE (in case of emergency) details on your tow float with permanent marker.
The other use for a tow float is flotation, though they are not sold as a life-saving device so never rely on a tow float to ‘save’ you, or push a swim further than you are capable of. If you just need a breather though, or in case of a niggle like cramp, they can be handy. Pull the float around to the front, kick your legs back behind you and you can ‘bob’ on the float until you feel ready to continue.
A wide range of tow float designs are available. First up I recommend buying a decent brand. I’ve had swimmers show up with cheap non-branded tow floats that have either failed (not stayed inflated) or have come with straps that are far too short. The bigger your tow float the more visible you will be in the water, plus a dual-chamber float offers additional reassurance as if one chamber punctures, the other will still keep it afloat.
You can also buy tow floats with handles and/or ropes attached on them, which create useful handles for other swimmers to grab on to. I often use one of these myself when coaching nervous swimmers, as it gives them something to grab on to if needed! Your tow float can be useful in other ways, too. My favourite tow float is my trusty Swim Secure Tow Donut, which includes a central dry bag that rolls and clips shut. Inside, you can stash your phone and keys if you don’t have a safe space to leave them as you swim. I’ve also used it to house my nutrition on long swims. If you just need liquid fuel/hydration with you, then there’s a tow float with a central space for a bottle to be stashed inside, too.
Go beyond the smaller floats and you find the potential for adventure. Larger floats can be bought with a dry bag function, meaning you can carry flip-flops and other essentials such as a change of clothes or a towel with you. These usually have an inflatable tow float chamber on one side and the dry bag on the other. You’re unlikely to need a large one just for training. Go to the extremes of adventure though and the Ruckraft is a floating ‘raft’ which can carry a large drybag for you. Perfect if you want to spend a day swimming and exploring!
If using a basic tow float, simply inflate it by blowing in the valve. Next adjust the waist strap so it is secure enough not to slip over your hips, but so that it still has enough movement that you can pull the float around in front of you if needed. Dry bag versions are a little different. With these, you need to stash your kit inside the dry bag, roll up the top and then inflate the air chamber.
Tow floats can be tricky in rough weather or water, as they can move around and you might find they bump into you. A couple of things you can try are: Firstly, make the strap shorter, so the tow float sits more on your back than far away. This should keep it a bit more in check. Another tip is to move the float around the front, then feed it back between your legs so it sits on the water above your thighs but is kept in place by hold legs clasping the strap. This seems to work, provided you are doing front crawl and not a heavy kicker!
Check out our essential cold water swimming kit guide for more advice.
Recent updates
- October 2025: We’ve added specs tables for each product, specifying their prices, features, and sizes.
- April 2026: We did a complete overhaul of the article format and updated all product reviews.
- June 2026: We added two new swim buoy reviews from Tri-Fit, along with the specs tables.
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon With contributions from
