Open water swimming is exhilarating, but it comes with real risks. A swim buoy tow float is your invisible lifeline—it makes you visible to boats, gives you a place to rest, and can carry your essentials. Whether you’re a triathlete or a weekend lake swimmer, the right buoy transforms your swim from risky to reassuring.
This guide reviews nine top-rated swim buoys, from ultralight bubbles to spacious dry bags. You’ll learn what makes each unique, their pros and cons, and which one fits your swimming style. Let’s dive in.
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New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Be Bright, B…
Best forMinimalist visibility-focused swimmers
- Ultralight and drag-free
- High-visibility fluo green
ConsiderNo storage compartment
Abahub Swim Buoy Safety Tow Float Swim Bubble for Open Water Orange 15L
Best forLong-distance swims with gear
- 15L storage capacity
- Ultralight at 10oz
ConsiderMay be bulky for some
New Wave Swim Bubble (Pink) for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Be Br…
Best forSwimmers wanting a standout color
- Bright pink for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
ConsiderNo storage compartment
New Wave Swim Buoy – Swim Safety Float and Drybag for Open Water Swimmers, …
Best forMulti-sport use with storage
- 15L dry bag storage
- High visibility color
ConsiderHeavier than bubble models
Seenelling 2 Pack Swim Buoy for Open Water, Safety Swim Bubble with High Vi…
Best forSwim buddies or backup buoy
- Two bright colors included
- Durable PVC material
ConsiderRequires manual inflation
New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Be Bright, B…
Best forClassic high-visibility swimming
- Bright yellow for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
ConsiderNo storage compartment
New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Swim Safety …
Best forBold visibility without bulk
- Bright orange for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
ConsiderNo storage compartment
Abahub Swim Buoy Safety Tow Float Swim Bubble for Open Water Green 15L
Best forEco-conscious swimmers with gear
- 15L storage capacity
- Ultralight at 10oz
ConsiderMay be bulky for some
DIPPY Swim Buoy for Open Water Swimmers | 28L Waterproof Dry Bag Tow Float …
Best forLarge storage for long swims
- 28L large capacity
- Dual air chambers for safety
ConsiderBulky for some swimmers
New Wave Swim Bubble Fluo Green – Ultralight Safety Buoy
Brand: New Wave Swim Buoy
A no-fuss, ultralight buoy that keeps you seen without slowing you down.
The New Wave Swim Bubble in Fluo Green is the ultralight choice for swimmers who want maximum visibility without extra bulk. It’s crafted without the attached dry bag compartment, making it ideal for those who don’t need to carry gear. The Bubble tows gently behind you, adding no drag, so you can swim naturally while staying visible.
Its bright green color stands out against dark water, especially if you wear a black wetsuit. The buoy provides a safe way to float and rest when you need a break. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for minimalist swimmers who prioritize safety and freedom.
- Ultralight and drag-free
- High-visibility fluo green
- Simple no-frills design
- No storage compartment
- Not for gear carrying
Abahub Swim Buoy Orange 15L – Storage and Safety Combo
Brand: Abahub
A feature-packed buoy that balances storage and safety for extended swims.
The Abahub Swim Buoy in Orange is a 15-liter safety float that weighs just 10 ounces, offering effortless towing with zero drag. Its neon-bright design ensures you’re spotted by boats, jet skis, and lifeguards—critical for open-water safety. But what sets it apart is its expanded storage: you can securely store your phone, keys, energy gels, and emergency cash.
This buoy is hydrodynamically shaped to glide smoothly behind you, with no pullback or interference. It’s perfect for long-distance swims where you need to carry essentials. The combination of buoyancy, visibility, and utility makes it a versatile companion for serious open-water swimmers.
- 15L storage capacity
- Ultralight at 10oz
- Hydrodynamic shape
- May be bulky for some
- Orange may fade over time
New Wave Swim Bubble Pink – Visibility with a Pop of Color
Brand: New Wave Swim Buoy
A reliable, eye-catching buoy for swimmers who want visibility without extra features.
The New Wave Swim Bubble in Pink is another ultralight option from the trusted New Wave brand. Like its green counterpart, it’s designed without a dry bag, focusing purely on safety and visibility. The bright pink hue is especially noticeable against blue or grey water, making you stand out to boaters and fellow swimmers.
It tows effortlessly behind you, adding no drag, and provides a reliable float to rest on. If you prefer a more distinctive color while keeping your swim gear minimal, this bubble is a great pick. It’s simple, effective, and backed by New Wave’s reputation for quality.
- Bright pink for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
- Trusted brand quality
- No storage compartment
- Limited to safety use
New Wave Swim Buoy 15L – Drybag and Float Combo
Brand: New Wave Swim Buoy
A versatile buoy and dry bag combo that suits swimmers and paddlers alike.
The original New Wave Swim Buoy combines a safety float with a 15-liter dry bag, making it a versatile choice for open water swimmers, triathletes, kayakers, and snorkelers. Its bright color is exceptionally noticeable, with some saying it’s visible from space. You can use it as a flotation device to rest when you cramp up or need a breather.
The dry bag compartment securely stores your personal items for point-to-point swims. It’s lightweight enough to bring on a paddleboard or kayak trip. While it doesn’t replace a PFD, it’s widely used for added visibility and convenience. This buoy is perfect for those who want both safety and storage in one package.
- 15L dry bag storage
- High visibility color
- Versatile for various water sports
- Heavier than bubble models
- Not a PFD replacement
Seenelling 2 Pack Swim Buoy – Dual-Color Safety Set
Brand: Seenelling
A practical two-pack that offers high visibility and durability at a great value.
The Seenelling 2 Pack Swim Buoy includes a fluorescent yellow and an orange buoy, giving you two of the most eye-catching colors in water. Made from durable PVC, these floats resist punctures, tears, and wear from saltwater, chlorine, and sun exposure. Each inflates to a 15.75-inch diameter, offering excellent buoyancy without adding drag.
The adjustable rope keeps the buoy close and secure. You can easily inflate them by blowing into the mouthpiece, and they store compactly when deflated. This two-pack is great for sharing with a swim buddy or having a backup. It’s a practical, budget-friendly option for safety-conscious swimmers.
- Two bright colors included
- Durable PVC material
- Easy to inflate and store
- Requires manual inflation
- No storage compartment
New Wave Swim Bubble Yellow – Classic Safety Choice
Brand: New Wave Swim Buoy
A dependable, visible buoy for swimmers who value simplicity and safety.
The New Wave Swim Bubble in Yellow is a classic choice for open water swimmers. Yellow is one of the most visible colors in water, and this buoy ensures you’re seen from a distance. It’s ultralight and tows behind you without pulling you back, so you can focus on your stroke.
Like other Bubble models, it’s designed without a dry bag, making it perfect for swimmers who don’t need to carry gear. It provides a safe float to rest on when needed. If you prefer a traditional safety color, this yellow bubble delivers reliable visibility and peace of mind.
- Bright yellow for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
- Trusted New Wave design
- No storage compartment
- Limited to safety use
New Wave Swim Bubble Orange – Bold Safety Float
Brand: New Wave Swim Buoy
A straightforward, highly visible buoy for swimmers who want minimalism.
The New Wave Swim Bubble in Orange is another ultralight option that prioritizes visibility. Orange is a high-contrast color against water, making you easily spotted by boaters and lifeguards. The Bubble tows gently behind you, adding no drag, so you can swim naturally.
It’s crafted without a dry bag, ideal for swimmers who want a simple, no-frills safety device. The buoy provides a reliable float to rest on during long swims. If you’re looking for a bold, visible buoy that won’t slow you down, this orange bubble is a solid choice.
- Bright orange for visibility
- Ultralight and drag-free
- Simple and effective
- No storage compartment
- Not for gear carrying
Abahub Swim Buoy Green 15L – Eco-Friendly Safety and Storage
Brand: Abahub
A storage-friendly buoy that keeps you visible and your gear dry.
The Abahub Swim Buoy in Green is a 15-liter safety float that weighs just 10 ounces, offering effortless towing with zero drag. Its neon-bright green design ensures high visibility, critical for open-water safety. The buoy features expanded storage, allowing you to securely store your phone, keys, energy gels, and emergency cash.
It’s hydrodynamically shaped to glide smoothly behind you, with no pullback or interference. This makes it ideal for long-distance swims where you need to carry essentials. The combination of buoyancy, visibility, and utility makes it a versatile companion for serious open-water swimmers.
- 15L storage capacity
- Ultralight at 10oz
- Neon green visibility
- May be bulky for some
- Green may blend with some water
DIPPY Swim Buoy 28L – Large Capacity Camo Dry Bag
Brand: Dippy Divas and Dudes
A spacious, durable buoy for swimmers who need to carry a lot of gear.
The DIPPY Swim Buoy is a unique 28-liter open water swim buoy with a camo design, making you stand out from the crowd while staying visible. This waterproof dry bag has dual air chambers for added buoyancy and safety. You can toss in your key, Garmin, phone, and cash for a snack, and they’ll stay dry.
It features fixed handles and an adjustable waist belt, fitting most adults comfortably. The lightweight, robust premium nylon material ensures a drag-free swim. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or a novice swimmer, this buoy offers professional-grade reliability and ample storage.
- 28L large capacity
- Dual air chambers for safety
- Adjustable waist belt
- Bulky for some swimmers
- Camo may reduce visibility
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right swim buoy tow float depends on your swimming habits and needs. Focus on visibility, storage, weight, durability, and ease of use to find the perfect match for your open water adventures.
- Visibility: Bright colors like neon yellow, orange, and green are essential for being seen by boats and lifeguards. Choose a color that contrasts with your swimming environment.
- Storage Capacity: If you need to carry keys, phone, or snacks, opt for a buoy with a dry bag compartment. Capacities range from 15L to 28L, so consider what you'll bring on your swims.
- Weight and Drag: Ultralight buoys (around 10oz) minimize drag, allowing you to swim naturally. Heavier models with storage may cause slight resistance but offer more utility.
- Durability: Look for materials like PVC or premium nylon that resist punctures, tears, and sun damage. This ensures your buoy lasts through many swims.
- Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to inflate, attach, and adjust. Features like adjustable waist belts and fixed handles add convenience, while simple blow-up designs are quick to set up.
Conclusion
Swim buoys are essential for open water safety, offering visibility, flotation, and storage. From the ultralight New Wave Bubbles to the spacious DIPPY 28L, there’s a buoy for every swimmer. Consider your priorities: if you want minimal drag, choose a bubble; if you need to carry gear, opt for a dry bag model.
For most swimmers, the Abahub 15L offers a great balance of storage and visibility. But if you’re a minimalist, the New Wave Bubble in your favorite color is a reliable pick. Whichever you choose, you’ll swim with confidence knowing you’re seen and safe.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.