03/09/2026
TOW FLOATS – A SMALL PIECE OF KIT THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
If you enjoy open water swimming, a tow float is one of those pieces of kit that is well worth considering.
It isn't a substitute for good swimming ability, sensible decisions or a lifeguarded venue – but it will provide an extra layer of visibility and reassurance while you're in the water.
👀 WHY IS VISIBILITY SO IMPORTANT?
When you're swimming, your body is surprisingly difficult to see from the shore or from the water.
A brightly coloured tow float sits behind you on the surface, making you much easier to spot.
That's particularly useful in open water where there may be:
🌿 Vegetation around the edge
🌊 Ripples, waves or choppy water
☀️ Glare from the sun
☁️ Low light or overcast conditions
🏊 Other swimmers sharing the water
Being visible helps lifeguards, safety teams, fellow swimmers and anyone accompanying you keep track of where you are.
🛟 WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A TOW FLOAT?
Not all tow floats are the same, so think about how you actually swim and what you'll use yours for.
📣 An integrated whistle
A built-in whistle can be a useful feature if you need to attract attention. It also means you don't have to remember to carry a separate one.
💧 A storage compartment
Some tow floats have a dry storage pocket, giving you somewhere to carry essentials such as keys, phone or other small items.
🥤 A drinks pouch
For longer swims, a tow float with a dedicated drinks compartment can be really handy. It allows you to carry fluids and take on a drink without having to leave the water.
🎒 The right size
Consider what you actually need to carry. A bigger float isn't necessarily better if you're only doing short swims – and a smaller one might not provide enough storage for longer adventures.
🔗 A comfortable, adjustable waist strap
Your float should trail behind you without interfering with your stroke. Make sure the strap is comfortable and adjusted correctly.
🌈 AND WHAT ABOUT COLOUR?
This is an important consideration.
The brighter and more contrasting your tow float is, the easier it is to spot.
Fluorescent orange, yellow and pink are generally much more conspicuous than darker colours.
Think about the environment you're swimming in.
Against green vegetation, a fluorescent orange, yellow or pink float is likely to stand out much more than green, blue or black.
Against blue or grey water, bright fluorescent colours can provide useful contrast.
And remember that visibility can change dramatically depending on the light, weather, reflections and distance.
👀 THINK VISIBILITY, NOT JUST STYLE!
That beautiful dark-blue or camouflage tow float might look fantastic in photographs… but if it's difficult to see from a distance, it's not necessarily the best choice for open water swimming.
When you're choosing your next tow float, ask yourself:
✅ Can I be easily seen?
✅ Does it have a whistle?
✅ Can I safely carry my essentials?
✅ Is there somewhere to carry a drink if I need one?
✅ Is the strap comfortable and adjustable?
✅ Is it suitable for the length and type of swimming I do?
🌊 AND ONE FINAL REMINDER…
A tow float is an additional safety aid – not a flotation device or a replacement for proper safety measures.
At a managed, lifeguarded open water venue, always follow the venue's safety instructions and listen to the lifeguards.
But if you're heading into open water, making yourself as visible as possible is always a good idea.
💬 Do you swim with a tow float? What feature couldn't you live without – visibility, a whistle, storage or somewhere to carry your drink?
