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

The New Wave Swim Bubble is a lightweight and highly visible swim buoy designed primarily for open water swimmers and triathletes who want a simple, no-frills safety float. Weighing just 8 ounces, it offers strong buoyancy to support resting mid-swim without pulling you backward or creating extra drag. Its bright orange color makes it easy to spot in the water, which is especially important for swimmers in dark wetsuits who might otherwise be hard to see. This buoy enhances safety by increasing visibility to boats and other watercraft, helping to prevent accidents.

Unlike some swim buoys, the Bubble does not include a dry storage compartment, so it isn’t suitable for carrying items like wallets or phones during your swim. This makes it ideal for those who want a minimalist float primarily for safety and visibility rather than storage. The materials used are durable polyvinyl chloride, and the product comes with a lifetime warranty against defects, which adds peace of mind regarding longevity.

Comfort-wise, the buoy tows gently and is easy to use without interfering with your swim stroke. While it provides good floatation support, it is not a substitute for a personal flotation device. The New Wave Swim Bubble is well-suited for swimmers who prioritize visibility and buoyancy in a light, easy-to-handle package but do not need extra storage space during their swim.

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.

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.