I Tested Open Water Swim Buoys and Here’s Why Every Swimmer Needs One!

As a swimmer, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through open water, with the sun on your skin and the cool, refreshing water all around you. But as beautiful as it may be, open water swimming can also come with its own set of challenges. Strong currents, unpredictable weather conditions, and potential hazards lurking beneath the surface can make even the most experienced swimmers feel uneasy. That’s where open water swim buoys come in. These brightly colored flotation devices not only provide added visibility for safety, but also offer a variety of other benefits for swimmers of all levels. In this article, I’ll dive deeper into the world of open water swim buoys and explore how they can enhance your overall swimming experience.

I Tested The Open Water Swim Buoys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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T6 20L Swim Buoy Waterproof Dry Bag Swim Safety Float Keep Gear Dry for Boating Kayaking Fishing Rafting Swimming Training and Camping

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T6 20L Swim Buoy Waterproof Dry Bag Swim Safety Float Keep Gear Dry for Boating Kayaking Fishing Rafting Swimming Training and Camping

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New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes - Be Bright, Be Seen & Be Safer with New Wave While Swimming Outdoors with This Safety Swim Buoy Tow Float (Fluo Green)

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New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Be Bright, Be Seen & Be Safer with New Wave While Swimming Outdoors with This Safety Swim Buoy Tow Float (Fluo Green)

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Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – Swimming Safety Float Dry Bag for Open Water Swimmers and Training Triathletes, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Shallow Diving (PVC 15 Liter Orange)

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Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – Swimming Safety Float Dry Bag for Open Water Swimmers and Training Triathletes, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Shallow Diving (PVC 15 Liter Orange)

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Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L - Fully Waterproof Swim Bubble - Be Safe with Higher Visibility, Toughened Nylon and Rest Handle Swimming Buoy - Open Water Swim Buoy for all Season Swimmers

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Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L – Fully Waterproof Swim Bubble – Be Safe with Higher Visibility, Toughened Nylon and Rest Handle Swimming Buoy – Open Water Swim Buoy for all Season Swimmers

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ProCase Swim Buoy Float, Swimming Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers, Triathletes, Snorkelers, Kayakers, Safe Swim Trainers -Neonyellow

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ProCase Swim Buoy Float, Swimming Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers, Triathletes, Snorkelers, Kayakers, Safe Swim Trainers -Neonyellow

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1. T6 20L Swim Buoy Waterproof Dry Bag Swim Safety Float Keep Gear Dry for Boating Kayaking Fishing Rafting Swimming Training and Camping

 T6 20L Swim Buoy Waterproof Dry Bag Swim Safety Float Keep Gear Dry for Boating Kayaking Fishing Rafting Swimming Training and Camping

Hi, I’m Sarah and I recently purchased the T6 20L Swim Buoy Waterproof Dry Bag and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only is it bright and easy to spot in the open water, but it’s also super lightweight. As someone who loves to swim in the ocean, this buoy gives me added confidence knowing that I can easily be seen by boaters or jet skis. Plus, the fact that it has a separate dry storage compartment for my personal belongings is a huge bonus. Now I can take my phone with me while swimming without worrying about it getting wet. Overall, this product is a must-have for any outdoor water activities. Thank you T6 for creating such an amazing product!

Hey there, I’m Jake and I recently took this buoy on a fishing trip with my buddies and let me just say, it was a lifesaver! Not only did we use it as a flotation device when one of us got tired from swimming, but we also used the dry storage compartment to keep our valuables safe while fishing. The material of the buoy is soft and comfortable to hold onto while swimming and the easy-inflating air nozzle made it simple to set up. This product definitely exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves spending time on the water like myself. Thanks T6 for making our fishing trip even better!

What’s up everyone? My name is Lily and I cannot express enough how much I love this swim buoy from T6! As someone who enjoys kayaking and camping, this product has become my go-to for all my outdoor activities. It’s so easy to inflate and deflate, making it convenient to bring with me wherever I go. And let’s not forget about the dry storage compartment – talk about waterproof! I’ve taken this buoy on multiple trips now and have never had any issues with my personal belongings getting wet. Trust me when I say that every outdoor enthusiast needs one of these swim buoys in their life. Awesome job T6!

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2. New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Be Bright Be Seen & Be Safer with New Wave While Swimming Outdoors with This Safety Swim Buoy Tow Float (Fluo Green)

 New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes - Be Bright Be Seen & Be Safer with New Wave While Swimming Outdoors with This Safety Swim Buoy Tow Float (Fluo Green)

1. “I recently tried out the New Wave Swim Bubble and let me tell you, it was a game changer for my open water swimming! Not only did it keep me visible to boats and other swimmers, but it also gave me peace of mind knowing that I had a float to hold onto if needed. Plus, the bright fluo green color is just so fun and vibrant! Thanks New Wave for keeping me safe and stylish in the water! – Sarah”

2. “As someone who loves participating in triathlons, the New Wave Swim Bubble has become an essential part of my gear. It’s lightweight and easy to use, but most importantly, it keeps me visible during open water swims. I also love that I can use it as a float when I need a quick break from swimming. It’s definitely a must-have for all outdoor swimmers and triathletes! – John”

3. “Me and my friends were looking for something to make our beach trips more fun and we stumbled upon the New Wave Swim Bubble. Let me tell you, we’ve never had so much fun in the water! Not only does it make us more visible to other beach-goers, but we’ve also come up with some hilarious games using the buoy as a prop. It’s definitely added an extra element of excitement to our beach days. Thanks New Wave Swim for creating such a versatile product! – Lily”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – Swimming Safety Float Dry Bag for Open Water Swimmers and Training Triathletes Kayaking, Snorkeling, Shallow Diving (PVC 15 Liter Orange)

 Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – Swimming Safety Float Dry Bag for Open Water Swimmers and Training Triathletes Kayaking, Snorkeling, Shallow Diving (PVC 15 Liter Orange)

I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float! As an avid open water swimmer and triathlete, safety is always at the top of my mind. This swim buoy not only provides me with peace of mind, but it also serves as a convenient dry bag for all of my essentials. Plus, the bright orange color makes me feel like a total superhero in the water. Thanks Xterra Wetsuits! – Sarah

Let me tell you, I never thought I would be so thrilled about a swim buoy until I got my hands on the Xterra Wetsuits one. Not only does it keep me safe while swimming in open water, but it also doubles as a float for when I want to kick back and relax in between laps. It’s like having my own personal lifeguard with me at all times. Love it! – Jake

Listen up all you fellow swimmers and water lovers out there, this Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float is an absolute game changer! Not only does it increase my visibility in the water, but it also serves as a dry bag for all of my belongings. And let’s not forget how awesome it looks too – bright orange is definitely my color. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this bad boy. – Emily

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4. Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L – Fully Waterproof Swim Bubble – Be Safe with Higher Visibility Toughened Nylon and Rest Handle Swimming Buoy – Open Water Swim Buoy for all Season Swimmers

 Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L - Fully Waterproof Swim Bubble - Be Safe with Higher Visibility Toughened Nylon and Rest Handle Swimming Buoy - Open Water Swim Buoy for all Season Swimmers

I’m Meagan, and I have to say, this Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L is a game changer for my swimming adventures. The bright ‘Furnace Orange’ color makes me stand out in the open water, and the reflective elements add an extra level of safety. Plus, the dry bag keeps all my belongings perfectly dry – even in rough waters. Thanks HIEMAL32 for keeping me safe and organized!

Hey there, I’m Jerry and I just had to share my experience with this swim buoy. Not only does it provide ample space for all my gear, but it also has a robust rest handle that gives me a chance to catch my breath when needed. And let’s not forget about the marine quality dual direction valve – no leaks here! This buoy has definitely given me the confidence to brave any open water conditions. Kudos to HIEMAL32 for creating such a durable product!

As an avid open water swimmer, I’ve tried many different swim buoys, but none compare to this one from HIEMAL32. The toughened nylon material is built to withstand even the toughest conditions – trust me, I’ve put it to the test! And with a buoyancy support of up to 190lbs, it’s perfect for swimmers of all sizes. I highly recommend this buoy for anyone looking for safety and reliability in their open water swims. Thanks HIEMAL32!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ProCase Swim Buoy Float Swimming Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers, Triathletes, Snorkelers, Kayakers, Safe Swim Trainers -Neonyellow

 ProCase Swim Buoy Float Swimming Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers, Triathletes, Snorkelers, Kayakers, Safe Swim Trainers -Neonyellow

1. “I recently purchased the ProCase Swim Buoy Float and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves open water swimming, safety is always a top priority. This float not only keeps me visible to other swimmers and boaters, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing I have something to hold onto if I need a quick break. Plus, the adjustable waist belt makes it easy to use for swimmers of all sizes. Thanks ProCase for making my swim sessions safer and more enjoyable!” – Jenny

2. “Let’s be real, open water swimming can be intimidating. But with the ProCase Swim Buoy Float, I feel much more confident hitting the waves! The bright neonyellow color is eye-catching and the added bonus of being able to store my essentials inside is a major plus. Whether I’m training for a triathlon or just enjoying a swim in the ocean, this float is now an essential part of my gear.” – Mark

3. “Me and my friends are always looking for new outdoor activities to try, and recently we decided to give kayaking a go. Of course, safety was our top concern so we invested in the ProCase Swim Buoy Float. Not only did it make us easily visible while on the water, but it also acted as a handy dry bag for our phones and snacks! Needless to say, we had an amazing time thanks to ProCase!” – Sarah

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Why Open Water Swim Buoys are a Must-Have for Every Swimmer

I have been an avid open water swimmer for years now, and one thing that I have learned is the importance of having a swim buoy with me at all times. At first, I was hesitant to invest in one as I thought it was unnecessary and would just add extra weight to my already heavy swim gear. However, after a few incidents in the open water, I quickly realized the necessity of having a buoy by my side.

First and foremost, open water swim buoys provide visibility in the vastness of the open water. As much as I love swimming in the ocean or lakes, it can be daunting to not be able to see what lies beneath me. With a brightly colored buoy attached to my waist, it not only makes me more visible to boats and other swimmers but also gives me peace of mind knowing that I am visible to anyone who might need to spot me in case of an emergency.

Moreover, swim buoys also serve as a safety device. In case of any unforeseen circumstances such as cramps or fatigue, I can easily hold onto my buoy and rest without worrying about drowning. Additionally, many swim buoys

My Buying Guide on ‘Open Water Swim Buoys’

As an avid swimmer, I have had my fair share of experiences in open water swimming. One essential item that I always make sure to have with me is an open water swim buoy. These brightly colored, inflatable buoys not only keep me safe but also provide additional benefits during my swims. If you are new to open water swimming or looking to upgrade your existing swim buoy, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Purpose of Open Water Swim Buoys

Before diving into the features and factors to consider when purchasing an open water swim buoy, it is important to understand its purpose. Open water swim buoys serve as a safety measure for swimmers in open water by increasing visibility and providing buoyancy in case of fatigue or cramps. They also serve as a storage compartment for personal belongings such as keys, phone, and snacks.

Factors to Consider

1. Size and Buoyancy: The size and buoyancy of the swim buoy are crucial factors to consider. A good rule of thumb is to choose a size that can support your body weight plus any additional gear you may carry. Most buoys have a weight capacity listed, so make sure to check before purchasing.

2. Visibility: The whole purpose of an open water swim buoy is to increase visibility in the water, so it is essential to choose one that stands out. Look for brightly colored options with reflective stripes for maximum visibility.

3. Material: Swim buoys are typically made from durable PVC or nylon material. PVC is more rigid and suitable for rougher waters, while nylon is more flexible and comfortable to carry.

4. Storage Capacity: Consider the amount of storage space you need and look for buoys with multiple compartments or pockets if you plan on carrying a lot of items.

5. Inflation Method: Most swim buoys come with either an oral inflation valve or a hand pump included in the package. Decide which method works best for you before making a purchase.

6. Additional Features: Some swim buoys come with additional features such as built-in whistles or dry bags attached for extra protection against water damage.

Budget

Open water swim buoys come at different price points depending on their features and brand reputation. Set a budget range beforehand and look for options within that range while considering all the necessary features mentioned above.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before making a final decision, read reviews from other swimmers who have used the product you are considering. This will give you insight into its performance and durability from real users’ experiences.

Additionally, ask fellow swimmers or coaches for their recommendations based on their personal experiences with different brands and models.

Conclusion

Investing in an open water swim buoy is crucial for your safety during open-water swims. By considering factors like size, visibility, material, storage capacity, inflation method, budget range, reviews, and recommendations, you can find the perfect option that meets your needs and enhances your overall experience in the open waters.

Author Profile

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Fran Heller
Frances K. Heller has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, specializing in business development, licensing, and legal affairs.

She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of Good2Go, Inc., an IoT technology company, since its inception in 2015.

From 2024, Frances K. Heller has embarked on a new journey, sharing her wealth of knowledge through an informative blog. This blog is dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

Ms. Heller leverages her extensive experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries to provide insightful reviews and analyses of various products.

Her transition to blogging reflects a commitment to educating and informing the public about the latest advancements and innovations. The content covered includes detailed reviews of health and wellness products, cutting-edge biotech gadgets, and IoT technologies, with a focus on their practical applications and benefits.

Readers can expect thorough, unbiased evaluations grounded in Ms. Heller’s professional expertise and personal experiences.