Stay Safe & Connected: Top-Rated Tow Floats with Integrated Phone Bags - LadyPlatform | Walking & Wild Swimming for Women in the UK

As a seasoned wanderer of the British Isles, I have seen the surge of interest in “wild swimming”—from the emerald “pots” of the Yorkshire Dales to the vast, chilly expanses of Windermere. There is nothing quite like that first gasp of air as you enter the water. But as any experienced outdoor swimmer will tell you, the British elements demand respect.

When you are out in the open water, visibility isn’t just a suggestion; it is your lifeline. However, the modern swimmer needs more than just a buoy. We need to check our GPS coordinates, capture that perfect misty sunrise on camera, and—most importantly—be able to call for help if a cramp strikes or the current turns. That is where the integrated tow float with a phone compartment becomes the most essential bit of kit in your dry robe bag.

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Why “Phone-Integrated” is the 2026 Gold Standard

In previous years, we all did the “double-bag dance”: shoving a phone into a sandwich bag, then into a dry bag, then into a float. By the time you needed to use it, the screen was a blurry mess.

In 2026, the best British brands have moved toward integrated windows and FotoFlex technology. These floats allow you to:

Navigate in Real-Time: Keep an eye on your OS Maps or Strava without stopping your stroke.
Safety First: If you get into difficulty, you don’t have to spend three minutes untying a dry bag. Your phone is accessible and visible.
Photography: Capture the beauty of the Highlands from a water-level perspective.

Top-Rated Tow Floats for the UK Market

We’ve scoured the market from Cornwall to the Cairngorms. Here are the floats that truly stand out for safety and connectivity.

1. Speedo Wild Swim Dry Bag Float – The Premium Choice

Speedo’s latest entry into the wild swim market is a masterclass in visibility. Rendered in a “Hyper Yellow” that can be seen by boats from a mile off, it features an internal clear compartment specifically sized for large modern smartphones. The material feels robust enough to handle the rocky entries of the Scottish lochs.

2. Swim Secure Tow Donut – The Explorer’s Favourite

The “Donut” is unique because it features a dry bag in the centre of a ring-shaped float. This allows you to access your phone, keys, or a snack while you are still in the water. Most dry bags require you to be on land to open them without letting air out; the Donut keeps you buoyant while you check your messages.

3. Zone3 Recycled LED Dry Bag – The Low-Light Hero

For those who love a “gloaming” swim (the magical British twilight), this float is unbeatable. Not only does it come with a waterproof phone pouch, but it also features integrated LED lights. If you’re swimming in the late afternoon in winter, this makes you a glowing beacon in the water.

4. Puffin Billy Eco25 – The Sustainable Swimmer

If you’re worried about the environmental impact of PVC, the Billy Eco range is made from recycled plastic bottles (RPET). It is ultralight and includes a dedicated internal phone pocket. It’s the “greenest” way to stay safe in the blue.

5. Ultimate Floats (With Thermometer) – The Technical Pick

This float goes a step further by including an external phone case and an integrated thermometer. In British waters, knowing the temperature isn’t just for bragging rights—it helps you gauge how long you can safely stay in before hypothermia becomes a risk.

Comparison Table: Integrated Phone Floats

Model	Capacity	Phone Access	Visibility Feature	Eco-Rating	Price (RRP)
Speedo Wild Swim	28L	Internal Window	Hyper Yellow	Standard	£34
Swim Secure Donut	15L	Access in Water	High-Vis Orange	Standard	£30
Zone3 LED Bag	28L	Separate Pouch	Dual LED Lights	High (rPET)	£49
Puffin Billy Eco	25L	Internal Pocket	High-Vis Citrus	Maximum	£32
Ultimate Floats	28L	External Case	Whistle Included	Standard	£31

Essential Safety Tips for Tech-Savvy Swimmers

The “Air Test”: Even with a phone bag, always leave enough air in the float. A float stuffed too full of gear will lose its buoyancy and create drag.
Tether Length: Ensure your waist strap is adjusted so the float sits just behind your thighs. Too long, and it gets tangled; too short, and it interferes with your kick.
Screen Sensitivity: Cold water can make touchscreens finicky. Make sure your phone’s “touch sensitivity” is turned up in the settings before you zip it away.
Secondary Waterproofing: For absolute peace of mind, we still recommend a slim waterproof phone sleeve inside the tow float window. Double protection is never a bad idea in the North Sea!

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Does a tow float act as a life jacket?

No. A tow float is a buoyancy aid, not a life-saving device. It is designed to make you visible and give you something to rest on, but it will not keep an unconscious person’s head above water like a life jacket.

2. Will my phone overheat inside the float?

On a rare sunny day in Britain, the greenhouse effect inside a plastic float can heat up a phone. If it’s exceptionally hot, keep the float partially submerged or tuck a small microfibre towel over the phone inside the bag to provide shade.

3. Does carrying a phone in a float affect my GPS tracking?

Actually, it improves it! Keeping your phone (or watch) in the top compartment of a tow float keeps it above the waterline, preventing the “signal dropout” that happens when your arm goes under the water during a stroke.

4. Is the Swim Secure Donut really accessible in the water?

Yes, that is its “party trick.” Because the dry bag is a separate pod in the middle of the ring, you can open it without deflating the float itself. Perfect for a quick mid-lake selfie.

5. Can I use these in the sea?

Absolutely. Just be sure to rinse the buckles and zips with fresh water after every swim. Saltwater is “kit-killer” and will corrode even the best gear if left to dry.