Xterra Wetsuits Swim Buoy Float – Swimming Safety Float Dry Bag for Open Water Swimmers and Training Triathletes, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Shallow Diving (PVC 15 Liter Orange)

Worth every penny - it makes you more visible to boats and the like that might be sharing the open water with you, and gives you a float to hold on to and rest if you need. Once I'm in the water, I don't notice it at all - it just trails behind you, out of the way. It's also great if you're swimming with others because you can sight off of other's buoys if they're in front of you and it's a lot easier to see the buoy rather than their body or swim cap. The buoy also functions like a dry bag - my usual mode is to lock wallet, house keys, etc into my car and then bring my car key down to the water. My car key is an electronic fob though, so I'm a little nervous to try putting it in the dry bag, and not many people come to the place I swim, so I take the calculated risk of theft over the risk of electronics being ruined if there's a leak.

I've had the Xterra buoy for a few years now, and I use it on all of my open water practice swims. Bottom line: it's simple to inflate, stays inflated, boaters and spotters can see it, and it doesn't impact my stroke at all. Bonus: it's pretty inexpensive compared with other buoys. If you swim open water with boats around, you need a buoy. This one works great.

And I can bring my phone, key and wallet. But just to make they keep dry, I put them in a ziplock bag first.

It doesn't get in your way as you swim, and makes you more visible to boaters in open waters. Even though it's not a lifesaving device, it has enough buoyancy that you could maybe use it for a short rest if you had to.The storage compartment is exceptionally small as it requires 3-5 folds to close properly and would not count on it to keep water out. I basically use it to store identification and my car key fob in a Ziploc baggy, which is pushing its limits. Would like to see the compartment be a bit larger.

As a good swimmer I don't need it but when I am alone in the middle of the seas, crossing islands or with high waves I feel that it is an extra support for getting help or to hold on and rest. Small enough for not pulling with the wind, right size for holding on and chat with the other swimming pals. Good quality

Bright color is easy to see in the water. Belt is easy to adjust. Bag is easy to inflate, completely waterproof and secure for valuables while swimming. Highly recommend for open water swimmers

This is my favorite swim buoy. I keep buying more as they eventually need to be replaced. I'd say they last two seasons with dedicated regular use. Not bad for the price and functionality. Perfect size for keys and a phone!

Love this buoy compared to other swim buoys simple for the fact that you can carry nutrition and personal belongings in the dry storage