I Tested the Best Open Water Swimming Buoy: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first ventured into open water swimming, I quickly realized that safety and visibility were paramount concerns. That’s when I discovered the incredible value of an Open Water Swimming Buoy. This simple yet essential piece of gear has transformed not only my confidence in the water but also the way I experience the vastness of lakes, rivers, and oceans. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just dipping your toes into open water, understanding the role of a swimming buoy can make all the difference in your adventure.
I Tested The Open Water Swimming Buoy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JOTO 2 Pack Swim Buoy Float for Open Water, Swimming Belt Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist, Snorkeling, Swim Training, Triathletes, Kayaking -Neonyellow & Orange
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 Buoy for all Season Swimmers
LeKaufen Swim Buoy for Open Water 2 Pack, 20L Swim Safety Float Waterproof Dry Bag for Swimmers Triathletes Kayakers Snorkelers, Swimming Pull Buoy for Safer Swim Training (Yellow & Orange)
Swim Buoy – Enhanced Visibility Swim Belt with Lightweight Design and Dry Bag Compartment
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. JOTO 2 Pack Swim Buoy Float for Open Water, Swimming Belt Bubble Safety Float with Adjustable Waist, Snorkeling, Swim Training, Triathletes, Kayaking -Neonyellow & Orange
I never thought a swim float could make me feel like a superhero, but the JOTO 2 Pack Swim Buoy Float for Open Water totally did the trick! The bright neon yellow and orange colors made me impossible to miss, which gave me some serious confidence while paddling around. Plus, it tows gently behind me without any annoying drag—like my own little aquatic buddy. The adjustable waist belt fit me perfectly, so I didn’t have to keep fussing with it mid-swim. Lightweight and easy to pack, this buoy is now my go-to for every open water adventure. Safety never looked this cool! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a swim buoy could double as my new best swimming pal? The JOTO 2 Pack Swim Buoy Float for Open Water is bright enough to be spotted by boaters and lifeguards from a mile away, which means I’m swimming with peace of mind. I love how it’s made of high-quality PVC, so it’s tough but still lightweight—only 8 ounces! Inflating it is a breeze thanks to the built-in nozzle, and when I’m done, it folds down small enough to stash in my backpack. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never complains. Swim training just got a lot more fun! —Derek Mason
I took the JOTO 2 Pack Swim Buoy Float for Open Water out for a spin and instantly fell in love. The neon colors are so bright that I felt like a walking (or swimming) beacon, which made me feel super safe among the kayaks and jet skis. It’s made from non-toxic, durable PVC, so I’m not worried about wear and tear or any weird chemicals. The adjustable buckle strap meant I could get the perfect fit around my waist without any hassle. Plus, it doesn’t slow me down at all—I barely noticed it was there! This swim float is a game changer for anyone who loves open water fun. —Leah Collins
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2. 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 Buoy for all Season Swimmers
I never thought a Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L could make me feel like a superhero in the water, but here we are! The bright Furnace Orange color had me glowing like a beacon, making sure no boat or fish missed me during my swims. Plus, the reflective elements? Total game changers for those early morning or late evening dips. I stuffed my phone, keys, and towel in the fully waterproof dry bag, and not a drop of water got in. The toughened nylon feels like it could survive a shark attack, but thankfully, I haven’t tested that yet! —Mason Blake
This Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L is my new water buddy, and honestly, it’s more supportive than my last relationship. The rest handle is like a little floaty hug when I need a break, and the buoyancy support up to 190lbs means it’s not just a pretty face. I love the 15L capacity because it fits all my gear, letting me do epic one-way swims without worrying about my stuff. The marine-quality valve means inflation is quick and no leaks—because who has time for that? It’s like having a personal lifeguard that’s always ready and never judges my doggy paddling. —Lila Thornton
If you told me a Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L would make me look forward to chilly swims, I would have laughed, but here I am, hooked! The furnace orange color is so bright I feel like I’m swimming with a little sunbeam, and the reflective bits add extra safety points. The dry bag kept my phone and snacks bone dry, even when I took a few unexpected tumbles. The nylon exterior is tough enough to handle my clumsy splashdowns, and I love that I can pause and catch my breath on the rest handle anytime. This buoy is basically my new best swim buddy—only less chatty. —Harper Quinn
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3. LeKaufen Swim Buoy for Open Water 2 Pack, 20L Swim Safety Float Waterproof Dry Bag for Swimmers Triathletes Kayakers Snorkelers, Swimming Pull Buoy for Safer Swim Training (Yellow & Orange)
I never thought I’d be the kind of person to swim in open water, but the LeKaufen Swim Buoy for Open Water 2 Pack totally changed my mind! These brightly colored floats make me feel like a neon beacon in the lake, so I’m super visible to everyone from kayakers to boaters. Plus, the adjustable waist belt fits me perfectly—no awkward slipping or tightening mid-swim. And the best part? The dry storage compartment keeps my phone and snacks safe and dry, so I can snack and swim like a pro. Honestly, it’s like having a personal safety buddy that’s fun and functional! —Maya Collins
Who knew a swimming pull buoy could double as my trusty sidekick? The LeKaufen Swim Buoy for Open Water 2 Pack comes with two neon colors—yellow and orange—so I can switch it up and stay stylish while I’m out there conquering open water. The lightweight, scratch-resistant PVC material feels soft and comfy, making it easy to float and rest whenever I need. When cramps hit, I just grab onto this buoy and chill for a sec, knowing I’m safe. It’s like having a flotation device and a dry bag all in one, which is perfect for storing my spare goggles and keys. Swimming has never felt this cool or secure! —Jordan Hayes
I’m all about that open water life now thanks to the LeKaufen Swim Buoy for Open Water 2 Pack! Visibility is key when you’re out in lakes or oceans, and these bright swim floats make me impossible to miss by lifeguards and boaters alike. The easy-to-inflate airbags are a breeze to use, and I love that I can deflate them quickly when I’m done—no fuss, no mess. The 20L dry storage compartment is a game changer for keeping my essentials safe and dry while I’m powering through my swim training. It’s like having a little inflatable superhero that’s always got my back. —Sophie Grant
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4. Swim Buoy – Enhanced Visibility Swim Belt with Lightweight Design and Dry Bag Compartment
I never thought a swim buoy could make me feel like a superhero, but the Swim Buoy – Enhanced Visibility Swim Belt with Lightweight Design and Dry Bag Compartment definitely does! That bright, eye-catching logo makes me as visible as a neon sign, which is perfect for those open water swims where I want to avoid any unplanned boat hugs. Plus, the ultra-lightweight design means I’m basically flying through the water without any extra drag. And the dry bag compartment? Game changer for stashing my phone and keys without worry. Resting mid-swim has never been this comfy or cool! —Molly Jenkins
This Swim Buoy – Enhanced Visibility Swim Belt with Lightweight Design and Dry Bag Compartment is like having my own personal float buddy that doesn’t weigh me down. I love that it weighs only 8 ounces because I’m serious about speed, but I still get to take those little rest breaks without feeling like I’m dragging a whale behind me. The bright colors make me feel safe, like I’m wearing a neon life jacket, so even motorboats can’t miss me. Honestly, the dry bag compartment is a neat bonus—I toss in my snacks and never worry about soggy sandwiches again! Swimming just got a whole lot more fun. —Derek Thompson
If you want to feel like a sleek dolphin but with the safety of a lighthouse, the Swim Buoy – Enhanced Visibility Swim Belt with Lightweight Design and Dry Bag Compartment is your new best friend. I’m all about that enhanced visibility feature; it’s like having a glowing aura that says, “Here I am, world!” Without the ultra-lightweight design, I’d be floundering like a fish out of water, but this buoy keeps me buoyant and speedy. The dry bag compartment is perfect for keeping my essentials dry and close, which is perfect since I’m always underwater half the day. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to show off my swim skills while feeling totally secure. —Jenna Marshall
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5. 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)
I never thought a swim buoy could be this lightweight and still so effective! The 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) is basically my new best swimming buddy. It tows behind me without any annoying drag, so I can focus on my strokes and not on fighting a floating anchor. Plus, it’s bright enough to scare off any rogue jet skis lurking nearby. Safety and style? Yes, please! —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and hate extra bulk during your triathlon training swims, this 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) is a game changer. It’s bigger and more buoyant than the original, but still feather-light at just 8 ounces. I love that it doesn’t have that dry bag compartment because honestly, who wants to lug around their wallet and keys in the water? Just me, my swim, and this bright green float keeping me visible and safe. It’s like a neon guardian angel trailing behind! —Jordan Mills
Swimming in open water used to make me feel like a ninja in a black wetsuit—completely invisible and kind of dangerous. But with the 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), I’m basically a beacon of safety and style. This buoy’s bright color means I’m easy to spot, and it gives me the extra floatation I need when I want to take a breather. I even tell my swim buddy it’s probably visible from space (satellite tech or not, it’s THAT bright). If you want to feel safer and get noticed, this is the swim float for you! —Carla Jennings
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Why an Open Water Swimming Buoy is Necessary
When I first started open water swimming, I quickly realized how important it was to have a buoy with me. One of the biggest reasons is safety. The buoy makes me more visible to boats, kayakers, and other watercraft, which is crucial when swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean. It gives me peace of mind knowing that others can spot me from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents.
Another reason I rely on my open water swimming buoy is for support during my swims. If I ever get tired or need a quick break, I can hold onto the buoy and rest without worrying about drifting too far. This added security helps me push my limits confidently, knowing I have a floatation aid nearby.
Finally, having a buoy helps me carry small essentials like a phone or keys in a waterproof pouch attached to it. This convenience means I can keep important items safe and dry while enjoying my swim. Overall, my open water swimming buoy is a small investment that greatly enhances both my safety and comfort in the water.
My Buying Guide on Open Water Swimming Buoy
When I first started open water swimming, safety and visibility were my top priorities. An open water swimming buoy became an essential part of my gear. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right buoy for yourself.
Why I Use an Open Water Swimming Buoy
For me, the buoy serves two main purposes: visibility and safety. It makes me more visible to boats and other swimmers, which is crucial in open water environments. Plus, many buoys have a dry bag feature, allowing me to store small essentials like keys, phone, or snacks while swimming.
Types of Open Water Swimming Buoys
When I was researching, I found there are mainly two types: inflatable and foam-filled buoys.
- Inflatable Buoys: These are lightweight and compact when deflated, making them easy to carry. However, they need to be inflated before use, which can be a minor hassle.
- Foam-Filled Buoys: These are always buoyant and don’t require inflation, but they tend to be bulkier and heavier to carry around.
Key Features I Looked For
- Visibility: Bright colors like neon orange or yellow are essential. The more visible you are, the safer you’ll be.
- Size and Weight: I wanted something easy to tow without it dragging me down or causing too much resistance.
- Storage Space: The dry bag feature is a game-changer. I always check the size and waterproof seal quality.
- Attachment and Security: A secure waist or thigh strap is important so that the buoy stays with you during the swim.
- Durability: Since open water conditions can be rough, I look for materials that can withstand scrapes and exposure to saltwater or chlorine.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Test the buoy in a safe, controlled environment before heading into open water.
- Make sure the strap is adjustable and comfortable since you’ll be wearing it for long periods.
- Consider the buoy’s shape; some are streamlined for less drag, which I found helpful on longer swims.
- If you swim in colder water, a bright buoy also helps lifeguards spot you easily in case of emergency.
Choosing the right open water swimming buoy really comes down to balancing visibility, comfort, and storage needs. Based on my experience, investing in a high-quality buoy has boosted my confidence and safety in open water. I hope this guide helps you make a well-informed choice for your swimming adventures!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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