Why use a tow float when wild swimming?

You may well have seen wild swimmers with a neon orange or pink bag being towed behind them. This is a tow float and we think it’s an essential bit of kit to have before any wild swim trip. 

This is why we will supply a tow float (courtesy of our partners Ulu Dry Bags) for anyone booked onto any of our wild swimming experiences but here’s why we think it’s an essential and relatively inexpensive bit of kit: 

What is a tow float? 

Quite simply it’s a waterproof bag filled with air which gives it buoyancy. The bag is then attached to the swimmer by means of a strap normally secured around their waist and floats behind them as they strike out. 

But why use a tow float for wild swimming? 

1.    The number one reason is visibility. When you’re in the water it can be hard for other water users and craft such as dinghies or power boats to see you until the very last minute, particularly if there’s a small amount of chop or waves. While we always advise wearing a bright swim cap, a tow float gives you an important extra bit of visibility and it means you can easily spot the rest of your mates if you’re swimming in a group. 

Our Ulu dry bags have a SOLAS reflective material strip which makes it easier for the emergency services such as the coastguard to spot. 

2.    Support. As a tow float is buoyant it can be a great support when you’re tired, get cramp or just want a breather when you can simply hug it and float along while having a bit of a natter to other members of the group. 

3.    Calling the emergency services. A tow float can also double as a waterproof case for your mobile phone which, if you get into difficulty, means you can ring the emergency services rather than just relying on getting help from the shore by waving or shouting. 

4.    Carrying essentials. A tow float also comes in handy if you’re doing a one-way swimming trip as you can then stow your clothes and valuables (our staff pop their car keys in a small Tupperware plastic container in their tow floats) away safely before entering the water. 

If you would like to have a go at wild swimming then why not join one of the Large Outdoors experiences? We run weekend and day trips in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Yorkshire Dales, along with our five-night Wild Swim the Scottish Highlands Adventure. 

10% discount at Ulu dry bags:

As mentioned above, we do supply tow floats on our wild swimming trips but if you want to get your own then check out Ulu Dry Bags. Large Outdoors attendees can benefit from a 10% discount code. If you are booked on a trip with us please check your confirmation email for your discount code or if you are a Loyalty Pass member please check out the Loyalty Pass discount section for your code.  https://uludrybags.com