What's a Tow-float and Why Is It Essential? | Open Water Swimming Tips

You’ve seen the water dotted with them, but why should swimmers use a tow-float? First of all, let’s explain what they are.

A tow-float is a small, brightly-coloured inflatable that you attach to your body via a waist band and leash. It floats along behind you as you swim, making you more visible to other water users, particularly boats and jet skis.

You can also use a tow-float to rest on while you’re waiting for your friends to catch up, or even as a pillow to lay back and enjoy the sunshine!

There are a few different types of tow-floats, ranging from the standard inflatable, to a tow-float that is also a drybag that you can store valuables or even clothes in.

Drybag tow-floats come in a range of sizes from just big enough for a phone and keys - which is the most popular and useful for every day swims - to big enough for all your clothes, a towel and a few snacks – you can use these for point-to-point swims.

These days, with so many people using the water, we recommend all swimmers always wear a tow-float in open water. Small ones really do not slow you down - they float along behind you minding their own business and keeping you safe while you swim.

If you have any questions about tow-floats, pop them in the comments below.

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