Once most have my triathlon training squad had raced I found myself needing to get workouts in while everyone else was on their post race recovery. I decided to motivate myself by heading down to open water swim Tuesday mornings at Cherry Beach.

The first morning I went, I arrived at the beach and was alone. It was very weird to not have my squad with me, but also super weird to not have any life guards as well. I knew this wasn’t safe. Moments into me putting on my suit a man arrived out of the change rooms, we greeted, and he wrapped this floating thing around his waist – this floating thing was exactly what I needed. Staying in the swim zone got in a 30 minute swim. While heading towards the shore a boat drove into the pedestrian swimming area. This was weird and I wasn’t totally sure I had been seen. I left the beach and went straight to MEC to by a bright personal flotation belt, a My Float Bag.

I ended up having to purchase the My Float online from MEC, but within 2 days it arrived and was even better then I anticipated. Not only was it a great safety device, it also was a giant dry bag with roll top closure that’s the perfect size for keys, phone, even clothes or shoes! Now I didn’t need to worry about leaving my wallet and car keys on the beach, I could keep them with me during my swim.

The My Float contains adjustable straps which works as a shoulder strap on land or as a belt in the water. I used it while alternating from swimming on my front and back and the strap was never tangled or in the way while I kicked.

I’ve now used my My Float three times and speak so highly of it, suggesting all open water swimmers invest in one.

Not only does it let you carry your stuff, it keeps you bright and insight from boats as well as offering an additional safety as a flotation device (but remember it’s not designed as a PFD or lifesaving device).

The My Float is available online for $69 and in store through a variety of source, I used MEC as it was convenient and shipped very quickly.