The best Christmas gifts for wild swimmers are the bits of kit that make open water swims safer, warmer and more enjoyable, plus a little inspiration for their next dip.
Prices checked on Amazon UK, 12 October 2026.
The best Christmas gifts for wild swimmers are the bits of kit that make open water swims safer, warmer and more enjoyable, plus a little inspiration for their next dip. Wild swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea has become hugely popular across the UK, and many swimmers carry on right through the winter. A bright tow float helps them stay visible, a brightly coloured cap keeps them easy to spot, a changing robe makes getting dry on a cold shore much easier, and a thermometer tells them just how chilly the water really is. A good book can help them find new swimming spots for the year ahead. Prices were checked on Amazon UK on 12 October 2026, and every product was in stock with no low-stock warning on the buy-box offer. Our overall pick is the Ultra Dry Adventurer tow float dry bag at £28.99. For the smallest budget, a ZONE3 silicone swim cap was £6.00. For the family, Wild Swimming Britain was £15.39, full of places to explore together. You will also find a MOKANI microfibre changing robe, a floating water thermometer and Roger Deakin's classic book Waterlog. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Our picks
Ultra Dry Adventurer Swim Buoy Tow Float Dry Bag
Ultra Dry Adventurer Swim Buoy Tow Float Dry Bag
£28.99
Best overall
ZONE3 Silicone Swim Cap
ZONE3 Silicone Swim Cap
£6.00
Best budget
Wild Swimming Britain (3rd Edition) by Daniel Start
Wild Swimming Britain (3rd Edition) by Daniel Start
£15.39
Best for families
How we pick
We shortlist products sold on Amazon UK using capacity, features, customer ratings and price band. We do not lab-test every model unless a page says so. The Amazon page is the live price. How we recommend.
Compare at a glance
| Product | Capacity | Last Amazon price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28L |
£28.99
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£6.00
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£15.39
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£11.04
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£8.95
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£10.97
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The products
Buying advice
Our top picks
Best overall: Ultra Dry Adventurer Swim Buoy Tow Float Dry Bag (£28.99). A highly visible tow float that doubles as a 28-litre dry bag for keys, a phone and clothes. The listing says the waist belt fits up to a 47-inch waist, and side straps and a shoulder strap let it be carried as a backpack after the swim.
Best budget: ZONE3 Silicone Swim Cap (£6.00). A 48g, 100% silicone cap. ZONE3 offers bright colours such as neon yellow and orange, which make swimmers easier to spot in open water.
Best for families: Wild Swimming Britain, 3rd Edition (£15.39). Daniel Start's guide to 1,000 hidden dips in the rivers, lakes and waterfalls of Britain. Perfect for planning family days out and summer adventures.
Other Christmas gifts for wild swimmers
MOKANI Microfibre Changing Robe Poncho (£11.04). A hooded microfibre poncho towel that acts as a private changing room on the beach or riverbank. It is quick-drying and absorbent.
Floating Water Thermometer (£8.95). A floating thermometer with an orange top, designed for pools, lakes, the sea, cold plunges and ice baths, so swimmers can check the water temperature before getting in.
Waterlog by Roger Deakin (£10.97). The book often credited with inspiring the wild swimming movement, following the author's swims through Britain's rivers, lakes and seas. A lovely read for a winter evening.
What to look for in a Christmas gift for a wild swimmer
Visibility first. Tow floats and bright swim caps help swimmers stay visible to boats, paddleboarders and people on the bank.
Think about warmth after the swim. A changing robe makes getting dry and dressed on a cold shore much easier.
Avoid sizing guesswork. Wetsuits, gloves and boots need the right fit, so check their size or choose a one-size item instead.
Check what they have. Many keen swimmers already own a float, so ask a swimming buddy if you are unsure.
Encourage safety. A thermometer helps swimmers understand cold water and plan shorter swims when the water is colder.
Join a group. Many areas have friendly wild swimming groups, and a gift such as a bright cap or tow float is a great way to encourage someone to start swimming with others. Local groups often share tips on safe spots, entry points and water quality.
Bundle a set. The cap, the thermometer and the changing robe together came to £25.99 at the prices checked.
Prices were checked on Amazon UK on 12 October 2026 and can change at any time. Check the current price and delivery date on Amazon before you order, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need for wild swimming?
Basic wild swimming kit includes a swimsuit or wetsuit, a brightly coloured swim cap, goggles, a tow float for visibility, and warm layers or a changing robe for afterwards. In colder water many swimmers also wear neoprene gloves and socks.
Is wild swimming safe UK?
Wild swimming can be enjoyed safely, but it carries risks such as cold water shock, currents and poor water quality. Swim with others, enter the water slowly, stay close to the shore, check local conditions and water quality information, and never swim alone in unfamiliar places.
What to wear wild swimming in winter?
In winter many swimmers wear a wetsuit or swimsuit with a thermal cap, neoprene gloves and socks, and use a tow float for visibility. Having warm layers, a hat and a changing robe ready for afterwards is important, as is keeping swims short.
What is a tow float for?
A tow float is a brightly coloured inflatable buoy attached to the swimmer's waist by a leash. It makes the swimmer more visible to others and can be held for a rest. Many also include a dry bag for keys and a phone.
