OWS safety device

$30 for a glorified Zip-lock bag?!?  Pass. Perhaps the real item is inside that bag, in which case the pic on the site is as waste of bandwidth and wont be driving many sales.

If I lived somewhere that OWS was convenient, I think I'd pick up a lifeguard can and make some modifications to it and maybe add a flag.

I believe he said he may be making some mods to it, but it would give you something to hang on to in case of emergency and it would give anyone a marker as to where you are (i.e. Fran Crippen) in case there is a problem.  If I remember right the thing inflates and you can put items inside it.  it has a leash on it and trails behind you as you swim.  This is where a video would be helpful.

There are two other devices you can use ...get a lifeguard can and swim with it diagonally across your shoulder to waist, others have gotten a belt that has CO2 cartridge it in you can pull if you have an emergency and some friends have made their own flotation device with a noodle and some water proof rope much like a safety can.

We have two safety cans we bought from Keifers on line.

Nice Jarrett, thanks.

Video seemed to answer a couple questions: like its more than a ziplock bag and it looks like it can be a flotation device if you get in trouble.  Its basically a water tight bag w/ an inflatable device (like a swimee)

Plus you get to put your valuable in the bag and take it with you and not leave it on the beach.  Very intriguing.  Looking forward to a 'gear review' if someone gets it

This is what I use.  

I had all parts but the little delrin plastic thing to attach the flag to the can  left over from my lifeguard and scuba diving days.   So I only bought the part that I needed.

This is mainly used in the vain hope that the stink potters on the river will see me.  I have added a flashing  led beacon to my rig.  

Thanks for posting this, have just ordered one!

I always wear a wetsuit, and feel pretty safe as I know I can float about all day, but using this means I won't have to leave car keys etc. on the bank, where they could be stolen. That's the main thing that's put me off solo OWS in the past. Also, having extra visibility and a backup float makes perfect sense. Great idea.

A friend of mine wrote up a review here. The two things I kind of like about it are the improved visibility and the way to keep your wallet and keys with you. Both ideas are good in the big urban OWS parks.

This is a great product to see in providing safety for swimmers.

Just so everyone knows, I am about to release an open water swim device that provides zero drag for the swimmer, yet lets boats, jet skis and others know exactly where a swimmer is at all times. Plus it has a highly water resistant pocket to boot. Pictures should be coming shortly, but feel free to follow our anouncements on twitter @GOATGear.

Thanks so much.

Nice call on the garmin!!  I like that idea better than having it under your swim cap

You guys need a product like this one for www.getgoatgear.com