Open Water Swimming Tow Floats — Do You Need One?
Open Water Swimming Tow Floats — Do You Need One?
The short answer is yes — for any open water swimming on the sea, tidal water, or any location with boat traffic. Here is the longer answer.
A tow float is a brightly coloured inflatable float that trails behind you on a leash attached to your waist. It does two things that matter enormously for sea safety. It makes you visible to other water users. And it gives you something to hold onto if you need to rest or get into difficulty.
Why Visibility Matters More Than Most Swimmers Realise
From the perspective of a boat, a swimmer in the water is nearly invisible. Your head is a small, low-profile object with no radar return. In choppy conditions, in bright sunlight on glare water, in busy coastal areas — a swimmer without a tow float is extremely difficult to spot from a moving vessel until it is too late.
A brightly coloured tow float — orange or yellow — is visible at a significant distance. It is far larger than your head and sits higher on the water. For any sea swimming where there is any boat traffic at all, a tow float is not optional. It is the difference between being seen and not being seen.
Tow Floats as Emergency Flotation
The secondary benefit is flotation. A tow float will not replace a lifejacket but if you get into difficulty — cramp, cold water incapacitation, exhaustion — you can hold onto the tow float and rest without going under. This buys you time and energy in a situation where both matter enormously.
Some tow floats include a dry bag compartment inside the float — large enough for a phone, car keys, and a snack. This means your essentials are with you in the water rather than on the beach.
When Is a Tow Float Not Necessary?
In a designated swimming pool. In a supervised lake with no boat traffic and visible safety cover. In other genuinely enclosed, managed environments with no risk of boat traffic or getting swept away.
Everywhere else — use one.
Our Recommended Tow Floats
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Restube Classic
Best for Emergencies
The Restube is different from a standard tow float — it is a compact, belt-worn device that inflates rapidly by pulling a cord in an emergency. It provides immediate buoyancy support without the drag of trailing a float behind you normally. Excellent for confident swimmers who want emergency flotation without the visual marker.
Zone3 Tow Float
Best All-Round
A well-made, brightly coloured tow float with a dry bag compartment large enough for phone, keys, and snacks. Comfortable waist strap, rolls down small for transport, highly visible orange colour. The standard choice for UK open water swimmers.
Orca Safety Buoy
Best for Longer Swims
Slightly larger than most tow floats, the Orca Safety Buoy provides more flotation for longer swims and a larger dry bag compartment. Visible orange colour. Good choice for anyone doing significant open water distances.
FAQs
Does a tow float slow you down?
Marginally — the drag of trailing the float behind you is noticeable to competitive swimmers. For recreational open water swimming, the drag is minimal and is far outweighed by the safety benefit.
What size tow float do I need?
For visibility and basic flotation — a standard 28 to 35 litre tow float is adequate for most swimmers. If you want to carry more kit or want more flotation support, go larger.
Can I use a tow float in a pool?
Most pools do not allow tow floats in lane swimming. Some dedicated open water training sessions at pools do permit them. Check with your specific venue.
Always swim with a tow float on open water. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. marinesafetyguide.com participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates and may earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this site.
