Beachbuoy tow float
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Beachbuoy: the technicolour dream float

We all love a bright tow float, don’t we? But have you ever seen a tow float in all the colours of the rainbow? Enter the beachbuoy, a funky tow float inspired by the skies over Donaghdee Bay

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We all love a bright tow float, don’t we? But have you ever seen a tow float in all the colours of the rainbow? Enter the beachbuoy, a funky tow float and drybag in a kaleidoscope of colours that will certainly help you stand out in the open water.

While being stylish the beachbuoy doesn’t compromise safety. It has as a tough yet lightweight construction made from top quality nylon with PVC coating and high frequency press seam technology. There are two air chambers with easy inflate valves, two easy-grip rigid handles and a built-in safety whistle. Plus, the tow float has a fully adjustable waist belt and a roomy integrated dry bag where you can store your phone, snack or a change of clothes.

We spoke to the founders of beachbuoy, husband-wife-and-sister team Michael, Janine and Joanne Boyd and about what inspired them to create this swimming aid that brings a splash of colour to the open water.

What inspired you to create the beachbuoy?

Beachbuoy was born out of Janine’s love of sea swimming and our move to the Northern Irish coastal town of Donaghadee, where rainbows frequently form right above the lighthouse we can see from our house.

We had noticed that all the tow floats available were the same variation on the neon yellows, pinks and oranges, and so we set about creating our own ‘technicolour dream float’ as an alternative for people who wanted something a little different.

For you, what is different about beachbuoy?

Bringing a bold splash of colour and packed with safety features, the 20L (small) beachbuoy definitely stands out from the crowd. The rainbow design makes it perfect for older kids and teens looking to enjoy the open water while remaining visible and safe.

What are its safety features?

We believe style should never compromise safety, and beachbuoy strikes the perfect balance. Our tow float is crafted from durable nylon and PVC, making it robust while remaining remarkably light. Twin air chambers provide extra buoyancy and stability, should you need to take a well-earned rest in the water. The sturdy fixed handles offer a secure grip and the built-in safety whistle is your ally should an emergency arise. Lastly, the adjustable waist belt guarantees a snug fit, making sure your beachbuoy stays put while you ride the waves.

In the world of open water, being seen is key to safety. With kayaks, SUPs, boats and jet skis all often on the water in the same place as swimmers, letting others know you are there is essential.

Janine, I hear you’re the open water lover of the family?

I’ve always loved being in the water, my dad took my sister and I to our local pool every Saturday when we were kids, and I loved the weekly lessons we had in primary school. I never wanted to swim competitively, but at university I swam regularly just for exercise and to clear my head – something I still love now.

My open water swimming began mainly as a spectator sport as I watched the brave swimmers at our local sailing club head out into Ballyholme Bay on a Monday night. Eventually I was encouraged join them, so I donned my wetsuit and got in, fully unaware of how much harder it is to swim in the sea! That first night I must have drunk about two litres of seawater and almost had to be brought in by the safety kayak, but I didn’t let it put me off. Week by week I gained confidence and stamina.

Fast forward a few years, and a friend who was skins swimming after going through breast cancer treatment encouraged me to try it with her. I thought, if she could do it after all she’d been through, the least I could do was give it a go. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before! The shock of the cold followed by the high of it all was completely addictive, and since then my wetsuit has barely seen the light of day!

How does outdoor swimming enhance your life, Janine?

I’ve been swimming outdoors for around nine years (in skins since 2017) and it has brought so much to my life. I suffer from anxiety, and I have found sea swimming is the quickest way for me to get rid of the extra adrenaline in my body. I can physically feel it leaving my body as I breathe through the initial shock of the cold and then feel my body settling back to its natural state. Even a few minutes of being in the sea can completely transform how I feel and lift my mood, it’s incredible.

Aside from the physical benefits, the best thing about outdoor swimming is the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made. There is really nothing like being out in the sea with a group of like-minded women, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly parts of our lives and having a really good laugh. We’ve had many swim adventures, celebrated birthdays, shared losses and survived a pandemic together. I honestly can’t imagine life without sea swimming now!

What are your top tips for tow float safety?

Always ensure your tow float is fully inflated, with all valves fully closed. Secure the waist belt snugly, too loose and it could easily slide off. After using your beachbuoy, rinse off sand and sea water, deflate it fully and clear the valves of any sand that might prevent it fully closing in the future.

Images © Janine Boyd Photography

Find out more about the beachbuoy at beachbuoykit.co.uk

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Abi writes swimming news stories and features for the Outdoor Swimmer website and manages the social media channels. She loves to swim, run, hike and SUP close to her home in Herefordshire. While she’s a keen wild swimmer, Abi is new to the world of open water events and recently completed her first open water mile. She has previously written for The Guardian, BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC History Magazine and Ernest Journal.