safety buoy for OW swims?

[tlopez]

Hello everyone,

A couple weeks ago at the Columbia Beach swim, I noticed someone with an orange buoy attached to his waist by a long cord. I assumed it was there to alert boaters/waterskiers that someone was in the water.

I am interested in something like that. What's it called? No matter what words I search for, I just come up with "pull buoys" (not the same thing, those are the little buoys that support your legs while working on armstroke...)

Or maybe I don't need anything specific to this use - just a regular orange buoy attached to my waist might do the trick?

Thanks!

[Anna]

Its possible that you are referring to the guy that sets up 3 orange swim buoys on Friday mornings. He coaches a local swim club and the kids are practicing for a tri...

[philjolliff]

I swim often with a group from work at Walnut Beach in Ashtabula. The leader of the swim (concerned about the abilities of some who swim with us) who is also a certified lifeguard always swims with a buoy attached to his waist in case of emergency. He swims with it in case of a rescue, not to alert boaters. It is most often referred to as a "rescue tube" I believe if you search for it at an online lifeguard/swimming shop.

[MattCollister]

I talked to a woman at Fairport last year who swam with a balloon tied to her waist. She was a masters swimmer--no slouch--but used the balloon for added visbility for boats, PWCs, etc.

[DanM.]

I think this is what you are asking about:

www.openwatersource.com/safety-products.html

[tlopez]

Thanks for the responses, Anna, Phil, Matt, and Dan!

Yes, that last link in Dan's message is what I had in mind.

I also found it on this site: ishof.org/safety/ssd.htm

I'll be traveling to New Hampshire later this summer where there is a fantastic lake for swimming. This will definitely help me feel more comfortable being seen and having a flotation device handy...

[kenb321]

I just saw this. Maybe this is what you are looking for:


www.getgoatgear.com/content/aquaspotter

[goatgear]

Thanks for linking to our newly launched Aquaspotter™ Please consider purchasing as this product provides the visibility without the drag and has no risk of tangling in your kick. Here is a coupon code for you to get a discount on your purchase: LAUNCH

Thanks again.