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10 Best Swim Buoy For Open Water 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Buoyancy
Visibility
Storage Capacity

Most important from
241 reviews

Buoyancy
The design is great and the air valve works well, though it may require checking as it might not hold air perfectly.
Visibility
The bright color is excellent for alerting boaters to snorkelers in the water.
Storage Capacity
The attached waist strap and handy dry bag make it practical for carrying essentials.
Comfort and Ease of Use
The buoy is incredibly easy to inflate and the seal is reliable.
Durability
Durable material ensures the buoy can withstand rough conditions.

The HIEMAL32 Swim Buoy for Open Water with Dry Bag 15L is designed to enhance safety and convenience for open water swimmers. One of its major strengths is its high visibility; the bright 'Furnace Orange' color and reflective elements make it easy to spot in various conditions, which is crucial for safety. The buoyancy support is impressive, accommodating up to 190 lbs, and the robust recovery handle allows for easy rest periods, adding to its comfort and ease of use.

The 15L storage capacity is ample for carrying essentials like clothing, keys, and a phone, and the dry bag feature ensures your items remain completely dry, thanks to the waterproof interior and durable nylon PVC exterior. This makes the buoy particularly useful for one-way swims where you need to carry your belongings with you. Durability is another highlight, with the toughened nylon material designed to withstand extreme conditions and rigorous use.

At 0.43 kilograms, some might find it slightly heavy compared to simpler buoys without storage capabilities. Additionally, while the dual direction valve aids in easy inflation and deflation, it might require some practice to use efficiently. The buoy comes with a waist tether leash, which adds to its practicality but might feel restrictive to some swimmers. This buoy is well-suited for all-season swimmers who value visibility, durability, and the ability to keep their belongings dry during swims.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
Buoyancy
Visibility
Storage Capacity

Most important from
241 reviews

Buoyancy
The design is great and the air valve works well, though it may require checking as it might not hold air perfectly.
Visibility
The bright color is excellent for alerting boaters to snorkelers in the water.
Storage Capacity
The attached waist strap and handy dry bag make it practical for carrying essentials.
Comfort and Ease of Use
The buoy is incredibly easy to inflate and the seal is reliable.
Durability
Durable material ensures the buoy can withstand rough conditions.
#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)

Rating
10.0
Buoyancy
Visibility
Comfort and Ease of Use

Most important from
900 reviews

Buoyancy
Provides peace of mind and supports even at 230lbs when taking a break.
Visibility
This swim buoy is incredibly visible and essential for open water swimming.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Lightweight and never gets in the way during different swimming styles.
Durability
High quality and durable, ensuring long-term use.

The New Wave Swim Bubble offers excellent buoyancy, making it a reliable safety option for open water swimmers and triathletes. With its bright Fluo Green color, it significantly enhances visibility, ensuring you're easily spotted by boats and other watercraft. Weighing just 8 ounces, this buoy is lightweight and easy to tow without adding drag, which enhances comfort and ease of use during swims.

However, it lacks a storage compartment, meaning you can't carry items like your phone or keys with you while swimming. The material, polyvinyl chloride, contributes to its durability, ensuring it can withstand regular use in open waters. While it's not a replacement for a life vest, it provides a good balance of safety and convenience. Ideal for those who prioritize visibility and buoyancy over storage capacity.

Rating
10.0
Buoyancy
Visibility
Comfort and Ease of Use

Most important from
900 reviews

Buoyancy
Provides peace of mind and supports even at 230lbs when taking a break.
Visibility
This swim buoy is incredibly visible and essential for open water swimming.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Lightweight and never gets in the way during different swimming styles.
Durability
High quality and durable, ensuring long-term use.
#3

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)

Rating
9.8
Visibility
Storage Capacity
Comfort and Ease of Use

Most important from
36 reviews

Visibility
Great for open water swimming, it enhances visibility and safety, reducing the worry of being struck by a boat.
Storage Capacity
The dry bag is fantastic for carrying valuables or using a phone to track GPS during swims.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Super easy to use and inflate, the buoy's perfect size makes it almost unnoticeable while swimming.
Durability
Durable and holds a lot, making it ideal for activities like snorkeling.

The Swim Buoy for Open Water is designed with open water swimmers, triathletes, and water sports enthusiasts in mind. It excels in buoyancy with its natural flotation properties, providing reassurance in case you need to rest or encounter difficulties. The bright yellow and orange colors significantly enhance visibility, which is crucial for safety in busy waters. This ensures lifeguards and other watercraft can easily spot you, reducing the risk of accidents.

The buoy also doubles as a dry bag with a 20L storage compartment, allowing you to carry personal items like snacks, keys, and mobile phones without the fear of them getting wet. The lightweight design, made of scratch-resistant PVC, ensures comfort and ease of use, with an adjustable waist belt that fits various body sizes.

While the material is durable, prolonged exposure to harsh conditions might still affect its longevity. The quick-inflate and -deflate feature adds to the convenience but might require careful attention to avoid over-inflation. This product is particularly beneficial for those who seek added safety and storage while enjoying open water activities. Users should be mindful of maintaining the buoy to ensure extended durability.

Rating
9.8
Visibility
Storage Capacity
Comfort and Ease of Use

Most important from
36 reviews

Visibility
Great for open water swimming, it enhances visibility and safety, reducing the worry of being struck by a boat.
Storage Capacity
The dry bag is fantastic for carrying valuables or using a phone to track GPS during swims.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Super easy to use and inflate, the buoy's perfect size makes it almost unnoticeable while swimming.
Durability
Durable and holds a lot, making it ideal for activities like snorkeling.

Buying Guide for the Best Swim Buoy For Open Water

Choosing the right swim buoy for open water swimming is crucial for ensuring safety, visibility, and convenience. A swim buoy is a floating device that swimmers tow behind them, providing visibility to boats and other watercraft, as well as a place to rest if needed. When selecting a swim buoy, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
BuoyancyBuoyancy refers to the ability of the swim buoy to float and support weight. This is important because it ensures that the buoy remains visible on the water's surface and can support you if you need to rest. Buoyancy is typically measured in liters. For casual swimmers or those who swim in calm waters, a buoy with lower buoyancy (10-15 liters) may be sufficient. For more serious swimmers or those in rougher waters, a higher buoyancy (20-28 liters) is recommended. Consider your swimming environment and your need for support when choosing the buoyancy level.
VisibilityVisibility is crucial for safety, as it ensures that you are seen by boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. Swim buoys come in bright colors like orange, yellow, and pink to maximize visibility. Some buoys also have reflective strips for added visibility in low light conditions. If you swim in areas with heavy boat traffic or during early morning or late evening hours, opt for a buoy with high visibility features. Bright colors and reflective elements are key to staying safe.
Storage CapacitySome swim buoys come with a dry bag compartment that allows you to store personal items like keys, phones, and snacks while you swim. This is particularly useful for long-distance swimmers or those who swim in remote areas. Storage capacity can vary, with some buoys offering small compartments for essentials, while others provide larger spaces for more items. Consider what you need to bring with you and choose a buoy with adequate storage capacity to keep your belongings dry and secure.
Comfort and Ease of UseComfort and ease of use are important for an enjoyable swimming experience. Look for swim buoys with adjustable straps that can be tailored to your body size and swimming style. The buoy should tow smoothly behind you without causing drag or discomfort. Some buoys have ergonomic designs that reduce resistance in the water. Test the buoy if possible to ensure it feels comfortable and does not interfere with your swimming technique.
DurabilityDurability ensures that your swim buoy will last through many swims and various water conditions. Look for buoys made from high-quality, waterproof materials like PVC or TPU. These materials are resistant to punctures and abrasions. Check for reinforced seams and sturdy construction. A durable swim buoy is a good investment, as it will provide reliable performance and safety over time.

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