Heading out for a swim in open water? A tow float is the one bit of kit you shouldn't leave on the shore. Clip it round your waist, let it glide along behind you, and you're instantly easier to spot for boats, kayakers, and everyone else sharing the water. It's also somewhere to rest if you need a breather mid-swim, and if you go for one of our dry bag versions, somewhere to keep your phone and keys dry too. Whether you're doing a regular loop of your local lake or heading somewhere new, this is your essential companion for every dip.
Open water swimming doesn't come with lane ropes or lifeguards. There's no one blowing a whistle if you drift too far out, so a lot of the responsibility for staying safe and visible falls on you. A good tow float takes care of the visibility part.
Bright colours and high buoyancy mean a swimming buoy can be spotted from a good distance away, by boats, paddleboarders, and other swimmers. It gives you somewhere to hang on if your legs need a rest, and it gives whoever's watching from the shore some peace of mind too. Newer to wild swimming or a few hundred dips in, it's one of the easiest safety habits to build and one of the hardest to regret.
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 phone, keys, 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 things 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.
Safety Accessories
Round out your open water kit with our waist belt leash, a comfortable and secure way to keep your tow float attached, or our open water safety light for swims at dawn, dusk, or on those grey winter afternoons when visibility drops fast.
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.
£12.99 / Dippy Open Water Safety Light
