Tow Floats & Dry Bags - Why They Matter for Every Wild Swimmer

What Are Tow Floats and Dry Bags,
And Do I Need One For Wild Swimming?

What Are Tow Floats and Dry Bags?

Tow floats and dry bags have become a familiar sight whether in the sea, river or a lake, and used by casual dippers to long‑distance adventurers alike. You'll recognise them as brightly coloured, inflatable objects floating near a swimmer. And the fact that you notice them is because that's their primary purpose - so you can easily see the swimmer to which it's attached. These are the bright, buoyant companions that bob along behind you, offering visibility, reassurance, and, in the case of a drybag, a place to keep your essentials and valuables. 

They're absolutely not a beginner's piece of kit that you grow out of over time. They're an invaluable item used by both starters and professionals but you'll learn when you want to use and when you don't. Personally, I've had mine with me on every swim for the past five years. I might not use it on a warm summer's day in the shallows but it's always in my bag and most likely to use it if I'm by myself, or when the sea is particularly cold, or during stormy swells.

For anyone new to the water, they can feel like an optional extra but once you’ve used one, it’s hard to imagine swimming any distance or for an extended time without one. Even for casual dippers, for which this website is aimed, you who might only be bobbing around just off the shore but they offer reassurance while you develop your knowledge of the water

Use this guide to understand what they do, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your swims.

Why Use a Tow Float?

Visibility to Others

Your tow float’s bright colour makes you instantly more visible to other watergoers whether that's paddleboarders, boats, or other swimmers. When you're in the water, there's very little of your body above the surface and in low light or choppy water you're near invisible from a boat or the shoreline. However, with the tow float, you're conspicous from a distance and that extra visibility can make a huge difference to safety and peace of mind.

A Sense of Reassurance

It's important to know that tow floats aren’t designed to be life‑saving devices, but they do offer a psychological anchor to help you become accustomed to the water. By their very nature, they're very floaty so if you need a moment to catch your breath, adjust your goggles, or just to pause and enjoy the view, you can rest a hand on the float without having to tread water.

Spot Your Friends

In group swims, if everyone has a tow float it helps keep track of each other. When your eyes are level with the water you lose the height advantage you're familiar with when standing and it can be easy to lose sight of other swimmers especially in the sea with a swell. So, floats are especially helpful in this scenario for beginners who may feel nervous about losing sight of the group. 

What About Dry Bags? 

Keep Your Essentials Safe and Dry

So, while a tow float is effectively that, an inflatable coloured balloon, a dry‑bag/tow float combine that buoyancy with waterproof storage. A 20 litre one would be ideal for carrying keys, phone, medication, or wallet - basically anything you don't want to leave on the shore. For point‑to‑point swims, where you get out at a different location to where you started, a larger one like 35 litres is more suitable as they will carry light clothes and a towel too.

Perfect for Solo Swimmers

After months or years of swimming, you might find yourself choosing to swim alone, and a dry‑bag float means you can keep your phone with you for emergency use. Many swimmers find this adds a layer of confidence that helps them relax and enjoy the water more fully.

Types of Tow Floats: Which One Should You Choose?

Standard Tow Float

Best for short dips, beginners, group swims. Lightweight, simple, and highly visible. Great if you don’t need to carry anything with you.

Dry‑Bag Tow Float

Best for longer swims, solo swimmers, adventure routes
Offers waterproof storage plus buoyancy. Ideal for carrying valuables or essentials.

There's very little price difference in a good quality tow-float vs a dry-bag float, and so, for that reason, at NippyDips we make the decision simpler by selling just the dry-bag float as it offers the best of both worlds.

How to Use a Tow Float Safely and Comfortably

Inflation & Setup

A tow-float is simply inflated by breath through the valve until it is firm but not rock‑hard. Attach the belt around around your hips, not your waist, so it sits low and doesn’t ride up.

A dry-bag float such as those sold by NippyDips are slightly different and contain two inflation chambers for extra security. There's almost no effort to preparing it and the float can be inflated and ready to go in 30 seconds.

First place any electronic items inside a separate zip-lock waterproof bag for extra protection then place everything valueable in the dry-bag avoiding overloading. Squeeze out the air to fully deflate then roll the top over 3 to 4 times, before clipping it shut. Finally, blow into the one-way valve to inflate one of the chambers. Repeat inflation for the second chamber until both are fully inflated and screw on the valve caps. 

The dry-bag float we sell also has straps on the side to hold on to and whistle built into the securing clips. For low light swims you can also put a small torch inside the bag to light it up like a beacon. 

Common Myths About Tow Floats

“They slow you down.”

You will get minimal drag from a well‑fitted tow float and most swimmers forget it’s even there after a few minutes.

“They’re only for nervous swimmers.”

All abilities from casual dippers to elite, ice swimmers use tow floats for their visibility and safety. They’re a sign of good decision making, not a sign of inexperience.

“They’re uncomfortable to swim with.”

If postitioned correctly and the strap is adjusted to the right length for you then you shouldn’t feel the float at all. Any issues with comfornt usually come from incorrect belt placement or strap length.

Caring for Your Tow Float

Rinse with fresh water after each swim, especially after sea dips to remove salt residue then let it dry fully before storing. Do check the seams and valves regularly and a well‑looked‑after float can last for years. I've been using my this dry-bag float for 5 years and it's still as good as new.

Final Thoughts: A Small Bit of Kit That Makes a Big Difference

Tow floats and dry bags are simple pieces of kit, but they transform your open‑water experience. They help you feel seen, safe, and prepared whether you’re dipping, training, or exploring. For beginners especially, they offer a gentle confidence boost that makes every swim more enjoyable.

Ready to get yours? We stock dry-bags in pink and orange, ready for same-day despatch and free delivery.
Get one now and be ready for your next water adventure.