Swimming in open water comes with challenges — visibility, safety, and staying prepared. That’s where a good swim buoy comes in. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the best open water swim buoy based on what really matters: visibility, storage, and comfort in the water. Whether you’re racing, training solo, or swimming for fitness, the right buoy will help you stay seen, stay safe, and swim smarter. I’ll also share my go-to buoy recommendations for beginners and experienced swimmers alike — plus practical tips to get the most out of your gear.