New Wave Swim Buoyfor Open Water Swimmers, Triathletes and just Your Swim Buddies - Tow Float for Safe Swim Training, Kayaking & Snorkeling (Pink PVC Medium-15L)

I bought this buoy rather reluctantly, as my preference is to open-water swim without such encumbrances in deference to my incredibly slow (though I cover distances of 2 miles of better regularly) speed on water. I succumbed to peer pressure, fellow swimmers demanding I purchase this so they could see my bobbing body out on the billowing waves, and procured this from Amazon. Now I won't swim without it! It not only reassures my comrades who can see this thing from great distances, but it provides a means to carry things it I so wish, and I actually had the chance to experience its floatation role for the first time several days ago. My wife caught me about 3/4 into a mile swim on a local lake as she was paddle boarding, and I reacted by stopping the swim (forgetting that the New Wave Buoy was attached). I was immediately held in perfect buoyancy as I chatted with her. Really rather remarkable, and I'm obviously quite satisfied with this accessory.

The dry bag is the entire size. The inflation part is large!In the water, I was able to rest my hips on it and float (I'm about 120lbs) for short periods when I got tired. I got this for the dry bag and it holds my phone and a small, non rigid wallet.

This buoy is perfect. I tested this on a 3 mile open water swim and didn't feel any drag whatsoever. I actually forgot I was even wearing it most of the time and was only reminded when my hand would occasionally brush against it. My friend used it to rest a bit mid swim and it kept her afloat with no problem. It was a great comfort to know I was highly visible and having the dry bag storage compartment was extremely convenient. I'll be using in a few weeks for a 6-7 mile open water swim with confidence.

Hermosa

I love the concept of keeping my car keys safe while being more visible as an open water swimmer. The buoy is extremely easy to inflate, deflate, and store during non use. Fits well in my swim bag. It is comfortable enough around the waist that I don't even notice it. I haven't used the dry bag part yet but after the swims I've completed so far, the compartment has been dry. It is buoyant and easy to hold onto for a floating rest.The downsides that I can tell so far are that while it does increase visibility, it also increases curiosity, so boats could come closer to the swimmer to investigate.The other downside is that it does impede the swim a little, especially in rough water where the buoy can be pushed into the stroke or the kick. It's easy to ignore for me but for swimmers who don't like things touching them in the water it might be uncomfortable.

This is so useful when I swim in the ocean or big river that has current. Because I feel safer I enjoy my swim much more.

Loved having these on our competition in hawaii! Carried an extra set of goggles and water bottle! My younger kids also used them when they snorkled. The waist didn't get small enough but we just tied a knot in it. My kids are great swimmers but I loved the extra safety. I could see my 7&8 year old from far away. If they got tired they could hang onto it but these also didn't drag you down at all! Best purchase ever!

My wife and kids are strong swimmers, but I’m not. I’m more of a wader. When they head out on cross lake swims it freaks me out - that they’ll drown, or get hit by a boat, or that Jadon Voorhees is going to show up. I bought a buoy for everyone. They’re highly visible, hold their air, and, from what they tell me, they don’t even notice it when they’re swimming.