LOOE SEA SWIMMERS
Tow Floats
Tow floats are an essential piece of a swimmers kit and it’s always recommend to wear one any time you go out of your depth in the open water. These have varying uses but the main one is that you can be clearly seen at all times. Tow floats come in all shapes and sizes but they have one thing in common, they are brightly coloured so you can be seen several hundred meters off shore even at a non elevated level. It’s very difficult to see anyone in the water without one, especially with no swim cap. Vessels have a much better chance of seeing you too, especially essential in busy watercraft areas.
Although these are not designed or intended to be used as a flotation device, they can be used to hold onto to take a short rest. Ideal if you get a mouth full of seawater or cramp to steady yourself for a short while.
Some floats are openable to put things inside , some double chambered and with a valve to inflate. Useful things to attach are:
- Whistle
- Light
- (Some people use a sea Thermometer too)
If you put a light inside, they are very effective for visibility, especially in the dark.
In a lumpy sea with waves breaking close to the shore, floats can easily become damaged so please be mindful. They can become detached from the lanyard if hit by a powerful wave and can drift off easily.
Floats are relatively maintenance free however it’s a good idea to wash off with warm water after being in saltwater (to preserve its life) and valves cleaned and opened. If there is an openable chamber, hang upside down to let the water drain out (coat hangers with clips are perfect). Always check the fasteners too before leaving home.
With a tow float, you get what you pay for. It’s worth investing a few more pounds on what could be a life saving piece of kit with hard wearing straps and clips.
Common ones that are good value for money:
Lomo Drybag Swimming Tow Float - Orange https://amzn.eu/d/2GQTSis
DIPPY Tow Floats For Open Water Swimming | 28L Swim Buoy Open Water Swimming Float | Waterproof Swimming Buoy | Tow Float Dry Bag | Wild Swimming Float | Wild Swimming Accessories Triathlete, Swimmer https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097R6FB8R?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4N9MMP3N52CY28VED5HT
Swim Buoy Tow Float Highly Visible Swimming Float Dry Bag with Adjustable Waist Belt, Carry Strap, Waterproof Phone case for Open Water, Water Sports, Swimming 28l Pink https://amzn.eu/d/j0Wyl3t
Swim Buoy Tow Floats for Open Water Swimming Highly Visible Swim Float Dry Bag with Adjustable Waist Belt, Carry Strap, Waterproof Phone case Included with Tow Float for Triathlons 28l Green https://amzn.eu/d/36OziUV
Tip - when you remove your float, always fasten the belt buckle immediately after you exit the water as they commonly get detached and easily lost.
Although tow floats look a bit cumbersome when inflated and attached using a waist strap, they are hardly noticeable once you’re in the water. They rarely impact on a swimmer’s technique or performance.