If you've spent any time at a wild swimming spot, you'll have noticed them bobbing along behind swimmers, usually in a bright shade of neon. Tow floats have gone from a niche bit of kit for open water racers to something most regular wild swimmers now wouldn't head out without.
Here at Wild Moose, we get asked about tow floats a lot, so we've put together this guide on the best tow floats for wild swimming to help you work out whether you need one, what the different types actually do, and how to pick the right one for you.
What Is a Tow Float?
Put very simply, a tow float is an inflatable buoy that attaches to you with a waist belt and a length of cord, and trails behind you in the water as you swim. It's not a life ring and it's not designed to hold your full body weight, but it makes you far more visible to other water users, and it gives you something to hold onto if you need a breather mid-swim.
Some tow floats are simple buoys with nothing inside. Others, like ours, double up as a small waterproof bag, so you can carry kit with you rather than leaving it on the bank.
Do You Actually Need One?
Not every wild swim requires a tow float, but there are a few situations where we'd say it’s important you use one.
You probably need one if:
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You're swimming somewhere shared with boats, paddleboarders, or other water traffic
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You're doing longer point-to-point swims away from the bank
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You swim in low light, at dusk, or in murky water
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You want somewhere dry to stash a phone, key, or snack mid-swim
You can probably skip it for:
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Short, supervised dips at a busy, well-known spot in daylight
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Pool-adjacent lidos or managed swim venues with their own safety provision
Types of Tow Float
Simple Buoy Floats
These are just inflatable buoys with a tow line and waist belt, no storage. They're lightweight, cheap to buy, and make you visible. They’re good if all you want is the safety benefit without the bulk.
Dry Bag Tow Floats
This is the more versatile option, and what most regular wild swimmers end up choosing. The float itself has a sealed, waterproof compartment, so it doubles as storage for your dry kit, a warm layer, or valuables, as well as keeping you seen.
What to Look For When Choosing a Tow Float
Visibility
This is the whole point of them, so don't compromise here. Bright colours like orange, pink, and lime green show up far better against open water than muted tones, especially in low light or choppy conditions.
Storage Capacity
Think about what you actually want to carry. A quick local dip might need nothing more than car keys and a phone. A longer point-to-point swim might mean way more. Our Adventure Tow Float has 28L of storage, enough for a towel or poncho, footwear, and the small stuff, so it works for most swims without being overkill.
Comfort of the Tow Line and Belt
You'll be wearing this for the whole swim, so an adjustable waist belt and a tow line that doesn't tangle or dig in matters more than it sounds. Webbing handles on the side of the float are also worth having, since they make it much easier to grab hold of one-handed while you're still moving.
Extra Safety Features
Small additions make a real difference in an actual emergency. A built-in whistle on the buckle, for example, means you've always got a way to attract attention without needing to carry anything separately.
Durability
Tow floats get dragged over rocks, thrown in car boots, and left to dry on riverbanks, so look for genuinely tough material rather than anything that feels flimsy out of the box.
Wild Moose Adventure Tow Float
Our Adventure Tow Float is built around what we and other swimmers actually use a tow float for: being seen, and having somewhere dry to put your stuff. It comes in three high-visibility colours, has 28L of storage for kit like a towel, poncho, or spare footwear, and includes a mesh top pocket for anything you want quick access to mid-swim, plus a built-in whistle on the buckle for extra peace of mind.
It's suited to river, lake, and sea swimming alike, whether you're doing a proper point-to-point adventure or a local pootle at your regular spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tow float necessary for wild swimming?
It's not compulsory, but it's strongly recommended if you swim anywhere shared with other water users, swim longer distances, or want a dry place to carry kit. It significantly improves how visible you are in open water.
Can a tow float save your life?
No. A tow float improves visibility and can give you something to hold onto while you catch your breath, but it isn't a certified flotation or rescue device and shouldn't be relied on as one. Standard open water safety practices still apply.
What size tow float do I need?
For short local swims, a basic float with minimal storage is fine. For longer swims or if you want to carry a full change of clothes, look for a float with at least 20-30L of storage capacity.
Do tow floats slow you down when swimming?
There's a small amount of drag, but most swimmers stop noticing it within a few sessions. The visibility and storage benefits generally outweigh the minor difference in speed.
What colour tow float is most visible?
Bright, high-contrast colours such as orange, pink, and lime green are the most visible against open water, particularly in low light or overcast conditions.