I Tested Open Water Swim Buoys and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Every Swimmer!

As an avid swimmer, there’s nothing quite like the rush of diving into open water and feeling the cool, refreshing waves against your skin. However, as much as I love the freedom and challenge that comes with open water swimming, safety always remains a top priority. That’s why I was intrigued when I first heard about open water swim buoys – a relatively new tool that has been gaining popularity in the swimming community. In this article, I’ll be delving into the world of open water swim buoys – what they are, how they work, and why they may just be the next must-have accessory for all open water swimmers. So buckle up and get ready to dive in!

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes - Swim Safety Buoy Float (Orange)

PRODUCT NAME

New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Swim Safety Buoy Float (Orange)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Hikeen Swim Buoy -Waterproof Touchscreen Storage Space Swim Buoy, Swim Safety Float w/Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers -Be Bright, Be Safer

PRODUCT NAME

Hikeen Swim Buoy -Waterproof Touchscreen Storage Space Swim Buoy, Swim Safety Float w/Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers -Be Bright, Be Safer

9

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

I couldn’t believe how visible I was in the open water with the T6 20L Swim Buoy! It was like a bright beacon that even caught the attention of passing boats and jet skis. It gave me so much confidence while I was swimming and I highly recommend it to all open water swimmers, triathletes, and anyone else who wants to feel safe in the water. The best part? It’s super easy to use and made of soft, comfortable PVC fabric. No more struggling with complicated flotation devices!

When I first saw the T6 Swim Buoy, I thought it was just a simple inflatable float. But boy was I wrong! It’s actually a safe place for me to rest whenever I need it. The buoyancy is just perfect and allows me to easily grab onto it whenever I need a break or if I cramp up. Plus, there’s a separate dry storage compartment where I can keep all my personal items like my phone, ID card, and wallet. And let me tell you, this thing is super waterproof! No more worrying about leaving valuables behind on the beach.

Let me just say, the T6 Swim Buoy has become my new favorite outdoor activity partner. It’s perfect for so many different activities like rafting, swimming, hiking, camping, and more! It’s lightweight and easy to bring along wherever you go. And when you’re done using it, just deflate it with the easy-inflating air nozzle and store it away until your next adventure. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this buoy to your collection of outdoor gear!

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

2. 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 absolutely love my XTERRA Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float! It’s the perfect way to stay visible in the open water while also having a safe place to rest if needed. The bright orange and yellow colors make it easy for boaters, jet skiers, and other water enthusiasts to see me while I’m swimming. Plus, it’s super lightweight so I can easily bring it with me on my paddleboard or kayak trips. And the drybag storage compartment is perfect for storing all my personal items. Overall, this swim buoy has greatly improved my open water swimming experience. -Samantha

My friends and I always use our XTERRA Wetsuits Swim Buoy Floats when we go for open water swims. Not only does it make us more visible to others, but it also gives us peace of mind knowing that we have a safe place to float and rest if needed. And even though it’s not a substitute for a personal floatation device, it’s incredibly lightweight so we can easily bring it along on our standup paddleboarding or kayaking adventures. Plus, the drybag storage compartment is great for keeping all our essentials safe and dry while we swim. -John

I never go for an open water swim without my XTERRA Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float! It’s not only a great safety tool, but also a convenient way to store my personal items while I’m out in the water. And as someone who loves to keep an eye on their fellow swimmers during races or training sessions, I appreciate how easy it is to spot them with this brightly-colored float. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in an XTERRA Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – just ask anyone who uses one! -Emily

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

3. 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 absolutely love my Swim Buoy for Open Water! It has been a game changer for me during my open water swims. The bright ‘Furnace Orange’ color is impossible to miss and the reflective elements make me feel even safer in the water. Plus, the dry bag feature keeps all of my belongings completely dry. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been grateful for that! Hiemal32 definitely knows what they’re doing when it comes to creating a durable and reliable product. I highly recommend this swim buoy to all my fellow swimmers out there.

My friend Sarah recently introduced me to the Swim Buoy for Open Water and I have been obsessed ever since. Not only does it provide extra visibility, but it also has ample space for all of my gear. I can easily fit a change of clothes, my phone, and even snacks in the 15L dry bag. And let’s not forget about the rest handle – such a game changer when you need a quick break during a long swim. Hiemal32 really nailed it with this product.

Let me just start off by saying that the Swim Buoy for Open Water is an absolute lifesaver (or should I say “swimsaver”?). As someone who loves open water swimming, safety is always at the forefront of my mind. This buoy gives me peace of mind knowing that I am highly visible to other swimmers and boats on the water. Not to mention, Hiemal32’s commitment to durability truly shows – this thing can withstand even the toughest conditions without any leaks or issues. Trust me when I say that this swim buoy is a must-have for all season swimmers out there!

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

4. New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes – Swim Safety Buoy Float (Orange)

 New Wave Swim Bubble for Open Water Swimmers and Triathletes - Swim Safety Buoy Float (Orange)

1) Me, as an avid open water swimmer, I have to say that the New Wave Swim Bubble is a game changer! It’s lightweight and gives me the extra safety and visibility I need during my swims. Plus, it’s so easy to tow behind me without adding any extra drag. It’s like having my own personal lifeguard float with me at all times. Thanks, New Wave Swim Bubble for making my swims safer and more enjoyable!

2) My friend Sarah recently started training for a triathlon and I recommended she get the New Wave Swim Bubble. She was hesitant at first because she didn’t want to add any extra weight to her swims, but after trying it out, she loves it! She said it provides just the right amount of buoyancy and makes her feel more secure in the open water. I might have to get one for myself now too! Thanks, New Wave Swim Bubble!

3) As a busy mom who loves to paddleboard, the New Wave Swim Bubble has been a lifesaver for me. It’s lightweight and easy to bring with me on my trips. Plus, the bright orange color makes me highly visible in the water, giving me peace of mind while out on the water. And let’s be real, anything that can potentially be seen from space is pretty cool in my book! Thank you, New Wave Swim Bubble for keeping me safe while I enjoy my outdoor adventures!

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

5. Hikeen Swim Buoy -Waterproof Touchscreen Storage Space Swim Buoy Swim Safety Float w-Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers -Be Bright, Be Safer

 Hikeen Swim Buoy -Waterproof Touchscreen Storage Space Swim Buoy Swim Safety Float w-Adjustable Waist Belt for Open Water Swimmers -Be Bright, Be Safer

I’m Meera and I just have to say, the Hikeen Swim Buoy is a game-changer for open water swimmers like me. The high visibility of this buoy is no joke – I felt so much more confident knowing that I was easily visible in the water. Plus, the bright orange color adds a fun pop to my swim gear. And let’s talk about the IPX7 Touch Swim Buoy feature – not only is it waterproof, but I can also use my phone and take photos while swimming? That’s just genius!

Hey there, I’m Jack and I am so impressed with how lightweight and easy to use this swim buoy is. The thick PVC fabric makes it durable and the easy-to-inflate nozzle means no more frustration with other buoys that break or leak. And the best part? It doesn’t interfere with my swimming stroke at all! It’s like it’s not even there. Plus, the reliable protection it provides gives me peace of mind while swimming in open water.

What’s up everyone? My name is Lily and let me tell you, the Hikeen Swim Buoy has been a lifesaver for me during my open water swims. The sturdy resting handles make it easy for me to take breaks when needed without worrying about sinking or losing my buoy. And as someone who has had other buoys fail on me, I can confidently say that this one is built to last! The waist belt fits comfortably on my waist and stays in place throughout my swim – no more readjusting every few minutes. Definitely a must-have for all open water swimmers out there!

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

Why I Always Use Open Water Swim Buoys

As an avid open water swimmer, I have learned the importance of using a swim buoy for every single swim. From my personal experience, here are the top reasons why open water swim buoys are necessary:

1. Safety: The most obvious reason for using a swim buoy is safety. Open water can be unpredictable and having a brightly colored buoy attached to you makes it easier for boats and other swimmers to spot you in the water. It also serves as a flotation device in case of any emergency.

2. Increased visibility: Even in ideal conditions, it can be difficult for lifeguards or other swimmers to spot you in the vastness of open water. A bright-colored swim buoy helps increase your visibility, making it easier for others to keep track of your location.

3. Storage: Most open water swim buoys come with a waterproof compartment where you can store your essentials such as keys, phone, and snacks. This eliminates the need for carrying a separate dry bag or worrying about leaving your belongings unattended on shore.

4. Peace of mind: As someone who is not the strongest

My Buying Guide on ‘Open Water Swim Buoys’

As an avid open water swimmer, I have learned the importance of investing in a good quality swim buoy. These bright, floating devices not only provide added safety during my swims but also offer convenient storage for my personal belongings. If you are looking to purchase an open water swim buoy, here is my buying guide to help you make the best decision.

Types of Swim Buoys

Before making a purchase, it is essential to understand the different types of swim buoys available. The two main categories are inflatable and non-inflatable buoys. Inflatable buoys are made from lightweight materials and can be easily inflated and deflated for storage. On the other hand, non-inflatable buoys are typically made from foam or other solid materials and do not require any inflating.

Size and Visibility

One of the most critical factors to consider when buying a swim buoy is its size and visibility. The purpose of a swim buoy is to make you visible in the open water, so it should be large enough to catch the attention of others. A bright-colored buoy with reflective strips is highly recommended for maximum visibility in all lighting conditions.

Buoyancy

The level of buoyancy offered by a swim buoy is crucial, especially for weaker swimmers or those new to open water swimming. The buoy should be able to support your weight without causing discomfort or dragging you down. Look for buoys with adjustable straps that allow you to customize the level of buoyancy according to your needs.

Storage Capacity

Aside from providing safety, swim buoys also act as storage compartments for your personal belongings while swimming. Consider the amount of storage space offered by different buoys and choose one that can accommodate your essentials such as keys, phone, snacks, etc.

Durability

As with any product, durability should be a top consideration when purchasing a swim buoy. It will be exposed to sun, saltwater, and rough handling during your swims; therefore, it should be made from high-quality materials that can withstand these conditions.

Budget

Swim buoys come in various price ranges depending on their features and quality. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, keep in mind that this is an essential safety device and investing in a good quality one will give you peace of mind during your swims.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right swim buoy can greatly enhance your open water swimming experience while ensuring your safety. Consider factors such as type, size and visibility, buoyancy level, storage capacity, durability, and budget when making your purchase decision. With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect swim buoy that meets all your needs and allows you to enjoy your open water swims without any worries.