Choosing the best open-water buoy for swimming: Key Considerations Revealed
/When it comes to open water swimming, safety should always come first. Whether you're training for your first open water race, heading out for a solo swim, or simply exploring new waters, a reliable swim buoy is an essential piece of gear. But not all swimming buoys are created equal.
After years of coaching open water swimmers and logging plenty of miles in lakes, rivers, and oceans myself — I’ve narrowed the decision down to three key factors that will help you choose the best open water swim buoy for your needs:
1. Color = Visibility & Safety
Open water conditions are unpredictable. Boats, jet skis, and other swimmers may not always see you right away — which is why bright, fluorescent colors are non-negotiable.
Look for swim buoys in:
Fluorescent Yellow (highest visibility in most conditions)
Safety Orange (lifeguard standard)
Fluorescent Pink (popular and highly visible)
Remember: The primary job of an open water swim buoy is to make you easy to spot - not just for others, but for safety teams or training partners.
2. Storage Options = Convenience for Longer Swims
Do you need to carry essentials while swimming? Some open water buoys double as dry bags — letting you store:
Keys or wallet
Phone (in a waterproof case)
Nutrition (gels, bars, electrolytes)
Small water bottle
These are great for longer swim sessions or remote swim spots where you may need to carry gear.
Just keep in mind:
The more storage capacity a swim buoy has, the heavier it will be — especially if loaded with gear.
3. Weight & Drag = Comfort in the Water
Lighter buoys are easier to pull behind you and tend to stay out of the way during your stroke. However, they can be more prone to bouncing in waves or wind.
Heavier buoys (especially dry bag styles) sit lower in the water and track straighter — but may create more drag.
It's a balance:
Short swims / high visibility needs? Go light.
Long swims / need to carry items? Consider a buoy with storage, even if it's a bit heavier.
Swim buoy for open water
Recommended Open Water Swim Buoy Brands
One popular brand is New Wave Swim Buoy , which offers fluorescent yellow buoys that are lightweight and focused on visibility and safety. They don't have storage options, but they are easy to pull. If you require storage for longer swims, you may want to explore other options.
If you’re planning longer open water swims or want the option to carry nutrition, keys, or your phone, I recommend checking out these two popular options on Amazon:
Zone3 Swim Buoy — A versatile buoy with a built-in dry bag compartment. It’s designed for open water swimmers who need both safety and storage. Bonus: It’s made from recycled materials.
Orca Open Water Safety Buoy — A durable, highly visible option built for rougher water conditions. It also features dry bag storage and is a great choice for ocean swims or longer sessions in unpredictable environments.
What’s the Best Open Water Swim Buoy for You?
Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
| Swim Buoy Feature | Best For... |
|---|---|
| Bright Fluorescent Color | Maximum visibility & safety |
| Lightweight Design | Short swims, races, or fast training sessions |
| Dry Bag Storage | Long-distance swims, solo adventures |
To get the most out of your open water swimming safety buoy, secure it properly using the waist belt provided. Avoid overloading storage compartments to minimize drag. Test your buoy in shallow water before heading out to ensure it’s properly inflated and free from leaks. When returning from an open water buoy, stay on the right side of the channel to avoid collisions with other swimmers or boats.
The Benefits of Swimming with a Buoy
Swimming with a buoy offers numerous advantages. It enhances safety by providing flotation support during emergencies. It improves training by maintaining consistent visibility for coaches or training partners. Dry storage compartments allow you to carry essentials.
For a complete list of essentials for open water swimming, refer to my open water swimming guide.
Choosing the right buoy comes down to your swimming goals, environment, and comfort preferences.
As I always tell my swimmers:
- Train smart. Plan ahead. And never compromise on safety in open water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swim Buoys
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A swim buoy is a lightweight, inflatable safety device that you tow behind you while swimming in open water. Its main job? To make you more visible to boats, lifeguards, and other swimmers. Many swim buoys also have a small dry bag compartment so you can stash things like your phone, keys, or nutrition while you swim.
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An ocean swimming buoy is built for bigger conditions — like waves, tides, and currents. These buoys tend to be extra durable and brightly colored so you stay visible even in rougher water. They're a smart choice for anyone swimming in the ocean or larger bodies of water.
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It’s simple. Strap the adjustable belt around your waist, clip on the buoy, inflate it, and you’re ready to go. The buoy will float behind you as you swim without getting in your way. Just be sure not to overload it — adding too much weight in the storage pocket can slow you down.
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A swim buoy stays on the surface of the water and trails behind you as you swim. Its bright color helps keep you visible, while the buoy itself provides a little extra peace of mind — if you need to stop and rest, you can grab onto it for support. And if it has a dry bag compartment, it can safely hold small items you want to keep with you during your swim.