Heading out for a swim in the wild, open water? A tow float is the one crucial bit of kit you should never enter the water without. Clip it around your waist, let it glide effortlessly behind you, and you are instantly visible to boats, kayakers, and everyone else sharing the water. It is your personal safety beacon, a reliable place to rest when you need a mid-swim breather, and your ultimate companion for every single dip, whether you are training for a triathlon, chasing the thrill of a cold-water plunge, or exploring a hidden local lake.
At Dippy, we believe safety shouldn't compromise your swim. That is why we have engineered a range of premium, lightweight, and incredibly durable tow floats tested in the most rugged wild waters of the UK. From streamlined simplicity to clever gear storage and real-time temperature tracking, we have designed the perfect partner for every style of swimmer. Explore our collection below and find the float that fits your adventure.
When you step into the wild, open water, you are stepping into a beautiful but completely unpredictable environment. A tow float isn't just an accessory; it is your ultimate safety sidekick, delivering four essential pillars of protection: visibility, buoyancy, safety, and security. To a passing boat, kayak, or jet ski, a swimmer’s head is virtually invisible against the dark, moving water. A bright tow float swimming buoy acts as your high-vis beacon, slicing through the surface glare so you can be spotted from hundreds of meters away.
But the true magic of a tow float is how it protects you from the unpredictable. If a sudden calf cramp strikes, cold water shock catches you off guard, or you simply need to catch your breath, it provides an instant, highly buoyant resting dock to hang onto. Just as importantly, it offers immense psychological security. Knowing that a reliable safety net is trailing just inches behind you calms the mind, wards off the panic of deep water, and gives both you and those watching from the shore total peace of mind. Clipping one on turns a vulnerable swim into a confident, liberating adventure.
Dippy's Tow Float Range, Find the Right Float for You
Wild Swimming Floats
If you want high visibility without carrying anything extra, our wild swimming floats are the simple option. They're quick to inflate, easy to clip on, and light enough that you'll barely notice it's there once you get going, no drag, no fuss. Pick from our bold pink/yellow or orange/yellow colourways depending on how much you want to stand out. Good for regular dips, open water training, or anyone just starting to build their wild swimming kit.
Tow Float Dry Bags
Want to bring your valuables or a snack for afterwards? Our 28-litre tow float dry bag gives you the same high-visibility safety float, plus a fully waterproof compartment to keep your clothes dry while you swim. Dual air chambers mean there's a backup if one ever needs topping up, and each one comes with a built-in whistle so you can call for attention if you ever need to. Choose from pink camo, lime green camo, or orange camo. They're made from a durable nylon PVC-coated material with fixed handles and a tether, so they hold up swim after swim, and the adjustable waist belt fits up to 47 inches (119cm), with extra belts available separately if you need one. Great for longer swims, or anywhere a bit more remote.
Tow Float (with Built-In Thermometer)
Style, safety, and temperature checks in real-time.
Add a splash of personality to your wild swims with our bold, funky geometric pattern. Built specifically for cold-water enthusiasts and wild swimmers, this float features an integrated thermometer so you can monitor the water temperature at a glance. It's lightweight, single-chambered, and designed to keep you stylish, safe, and informed on every cold dip.
Safety Accessories
Complete your open-water setup with the essential extras designed to keep your swim seamless and safe, no matter the time of day or the length of your journey.
The Dippy Open-Water Safety Light: Don't let low light cut your adventure short. Perfect for peaceful dawn dips, twilight swims, or those grey winter afternoons when visibility drops fast, this compact safety light easily clips onto your tow float. It cuts right through the gloom, ensuring you remain highly visible to everyone on and off the water in the dark.
Spare & Adjustable Waist Belt: Lost your belt, want a backup, or need a little extra room? Our comfortable, adjustable spare waist belts have you covered. Highly versatile, they are designed so you can easily clip two belts together - perfect for creating an extra-large fit so every swimmer can enjoy a secure, comfortable, and stress-free dip.
Tow Float FAQs
Do I need a tow float for wild swimming?
You don't legally have to carry one, but we'd always recommend it, especially if you're swimming in open water without a safety boat or a buddy alongside you. Most organised swims and events will ask you to wear one anyway, and it's become pretty standard practice across the wild swimming community. Even Google and AI shopping tools like Amazon Rufus tend to suggest a tow float as a must-have alongside your wetsuit and swim cap, for exactly this reason.
Will a tow float slow me down?
It's one of the first questions new open water swimmers ask, and the honest answer is no. A well-designed tow float sits on the surface and moves with you rather than against you, so the drag is minimal. Most swimmers stop noticing it's there after the first few minutes.
What's the difference between a tow float and a dry bag tow float?
A standard tow float is really about safety and visibility, nothing more, nothing less. A tow float dry bag does the same job but adds a sealed, waterproof compartment (usually around 28 litres) so you can bring your phone, keys, cash, or anything else you don't want to leave on the beach. If you swim somewhere remote or just like to travel light, the dry bag version is worth the upgrade.
What size tow float do I need?
For most swimmers, a single-chamber wild swimming float gives you plenty of visibility and buoyancy. If you want to carry kit with you, go for the 28-litre dry bag tow float, big enough for the essentials, secure enough to trust with them.
Can I use a tow float for triathlon training?
Definitely, tow floats are a common sight in triathlon training groups. They make you easier for coaches and safety crews to keep track of, and if you go for a dry bag version, you've got somewhere to stash nutrition or a tracker for the longer sessions.
