9 Best Swim Buoy For Open Water 2025 in the UK

The WholeFire 20L Swim Buoy is designed for open water enthusiasts like swimmers, triathletes, kayakers, and snorkelers. Its standout feature is high visibility, courtesy of its bright yellow color, making it ideal for safety in areas with boat traffic. The buoyancy is supported by an independent airbag with an easy-inflating air nozzle, ensuring quick and convenient use.

At 20 liters, it offers ample storage capacity through a waterproof compartment separate from the air chamber, perfect for securely storing essentials like phones and wallets. Its size and shape, 63 cm long and 27 cm wide, make it manageable and practical for various water activities. The adjustable and detachable waist belt accommodates waist sizes from 26 to 50 inches, making it versatile for different users and comfortable to wear during activities like swimming or sailing.

Made from premium PVC, the buoy promises durability and comfort across seasons, maintaining softness even in winter. However, while the material is durable, users looking for a more environmentally friendly option might find PVC less appealing. At 260 grams, it is lightweight, adding to the ease of use. Some users may find the inflation nozzle slightly cumbersome during deflation. Its popularity is reflected in its positive customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. Ideal for adults, this swim buoy ranks well in sports equipment, indicating reliability and satisfaction among users.

The Dippy Divas and Dudes DIPPY Tow Float is designed for open water swimming, offering several features that cater to both safety and convenience. With a unique and vibrant green camo design, it enhances visibility, which is crucial for safety in crowded waters. The built-in whistle further aids in attracting attention if needed.

It features a substantial 28-liter storage capacity, functioning as a dry bag to keep valuables dry during swimming activities. This makes it practical for stashing keys, phones, or other small items securely. The buoy itself is crafted from durable PVC-coated nylon, ensuring longevity and reliability even in tough conditions. Its lightweight design minimizes drag, making it comfortable for swimmers, whether amateur or professional.

The adjustable waist belt and fixed handles provide a secure fit and easy attachment, accommodating various body sizes. While it's excellent for visibility and storage, the size and robust material might add slight bulkiness, which could be a minor drawback for those seeking an ultra-lightweight option. Nonetheless, the buoy's multifunctionality makes it suitable not only for swimmers but also for paddleboarders and triathletes, catering to a wide range of water sports enthusiasts. This product is a great choice for those looking to increase their visibility and safety while keeping belongings dry and secure during open water adventures.

The Swim Buoy Tow Float is a strong and lightweight option for open water swimmers, made from durable nylon PVC material. Its bright pink color makes it highly visible in the water, which is essential for safety. The buoyancy is supported by two air chambers, allowing you to take breaks or chat with friends, though it should not be relied upon as a primary safety device.

With a substantial 28-liter capacity, it doubles as a dry bag, providing enough space to store valuables like wallets, keys, flip-flops, and even a dry change of clothes. The included waterproof phone case is a nice touch, allowing you to keep your phone safe while tracking your swim or taking photos and videos. The waist belt is adjustable up to a 47-inch waist, and the buoy can also be carried as a backpack using the side carry straps and shoulder strap, adding to its versatility.

However, at 68 x 37 x 6 cm and weighing 670 grams, it might be a bit bulky for some users. Furthermore, while the material is durable, the single compartment design might not be ideal for those who prefer more organizational options. It's rated highly with an average of 4.7 stars from 500 reviews, reflecting general satisfaction among users. This swim buoy is a great choice for swimmers looking for visibility and storage capability, though its size and compartment limitations should be considered.