Using Buoys in Open Water Swimming: Safety Aids and Competition Rules

Introduction

In recent years, swimmers dragging an orange or yellow inflatable buoy behind their waist have become an increasingly common sight along Taiwan’s coasts, lakes, and in swim training sessions. These are known as “safety buoys” (Swim Buoys or Tow Floats), and they represent a major revolution in open water swimming safety. Compact and lightweight, they can be lifesavers in an emergency while also increasing a swimmer’s visibility in the water. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the functions of safety buoys, how to use them, purchasing advice, and their applicability under competition rules.

Key Functions of Safety Buoys

Function	Description
Emergency buoyancy support	When cramping or exhausted, you can grab the buoy to rest and avoid sinking
Increased visibility	Bright colors make it easy for lifeguards, boat operators, and shore personnel to spot you
Collision warning	Fishing boats and speedboats can see you more easily, reducing collision risk
Dry storage	Most buoys have a waterproof compartment inside for storing your phone, keys
Psychological reassurance	Knowing you have a support device reduces anxiety in deep water

Main Types of Buoys

By Shape

1. Standard Oval Buoy

• The most common type
• Medium size, moderate buoyancy
• Suitable for training and general sea swimming
• Recommended brands: ROKA, Swimmer’s Buoy

2. Dry Bag Buoy

• Features an internal waterproof storage bag (20–28 liters)
• Suitable for long-distance training where you need to carry clothes, supplies, or a phone
• Heavier and has a slight impact on swimming drag

3. Buoy with Whistle

• Comes with an attached rescue whistle
• Suitable for solo training sessions

4. Wedge/Torpedo Shape

• More hydrodynamic, with minimal drag
• Commonly used in open water races that do not restrict buoy use

By Inflation Method

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Manual inflation	No risk of mechanical failure, low cost	Requires inflation before entering the water, occasionally forgotten
Valve inflation (with portable pump)	Quick inflation, accurate air volume	Requires carrying a pump
Pre-inflated fixed type	Always ready for use, no inflation needed	Takes up more space, less portable

How to Use a Buoy

Adjusting the Belt

1. Adjust the belt to fit snugly but not tightly (two fingers should fit underneath)
2. The buoy’s tether length is recommended at 50–60 cm (keeping the buoy trailing behind your waist without interfering with your leg kick)
3. Make sure the tether does not get tangled around your wetsuit or swimsuit

Impact While Swimming

Most people notice the following changes when first using a safety buoy:

• Increased drag: The buoy being towed on the surface adds approximately 2–5% more resistance (less noticeable once you get used to it)
• Restricted leg kick: Wider buoys may bump against your legs during a turn or kick; choosing a streamlined design is better
• Increased psychological comfort: Most users report feeling more relaxed in deep water with a buoy

Buoy Rules in Various Competitions

Regulations regarding safety buoys vary significantly between events:

Event Type	Buoy Regulations
Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim	Mandatory (either official-provided or self-supplied)
General sea swims in Taiwan	Strongly recommended; mandatory in some events
Triathlon (international events)	Usually prohibited (as they provide a buoyancy advantage)
Triathlon (recreational category)	Allowed in some events; check the current year’s athlete handbook
FINA Open Water Swimming	Prohibited (competitive rules)

Key Point: In competitive events, using a buoy may be considered a violation and result in disqualification. If you are an athlete aiming for competitive results, you need to get used to swimming without a buoy in training. If your focus is on safety and experience, a buoy is highly recommended gear.

Purchasing Advice

Usage Scenario	Recommended Type	Budget (NT$)
Beginner daily training	Standard oval, manual inflation	NT$500–1,000
Long-distance training	Dry bag type (waterproof bag)	NT$1,200–2,500
Race training (where not prohibited)	Streamlined low-drag model	NT$1,500–3,000
Maximum visibility needs	Bright orange or yellow colors	Any type

Buoy Care and Maintenance

• Rinse with fresh water after use to remove salt (extends the life of the rubber)
• Deflate before storing when not in use, to avoid prolonged inflation pressure aging the rubber
• Regularly check the valve and belt buckle for proper function
• If the buoy develops a leak, repair it with rubber repair adhesive (similar to bicycle tire repair kits)

Practical Tips

• Practice in a pool first: Tow the buoy for a few sessions in a familiar pool to get used to the drag and the feel of the belt
• Practice emergency use: Practice the motion of “quickly rolling over, grabbing the buoy, and staying afloat” in the water to ensure you can execute it smoothly in an emergency
• Bring it whenever swimming in open water: Even at a guarded beach, carrying a safety buoy makes you safer
• Choose orange or bright yellow: These offer the best visibility and are easier to spot even in backlit sunset conditions

Conclusion

The widespread adoption of safety buoys has significantly reduced the risk of accidents in Taiwan’s open water swimming. A buoy costing just a few hundred dollars could be your lifeline in a critical moment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sea swimmer, making it a habit to train with a safety buoy not only protects yourself but also gives peace of mind to your companions and the lifeguards on shore. Make the safety buoy a standard part of your sea swimming gear—it is the most fundamental respect you can show both to yourself and to the ocean.

Related Reading

• Swim Buoys and Safety Gear Fully Explained: A Lifesaving Companion for Open Water Swimmers
• Open Water Navigation Buoy Buying Guide: Safety Float Color Standards, Inflation Methods, and Usage Tips
• Open Water Swim Floats: A Dual-Function Analysis of Safety Visibility and Gear Storage
• Open Water Safety: Lifeguard Deployment, Signal Buoys, and Emergency Response