A Lake District firm has created floats from plastic bottles for open water swimming.
Swim the Lakes, based in Ambleside, has created the tow floats, which hold swimmers’ belongings, from recycled single-use plastic bottles.
The firm is owned by husband and wife team Andrea and Pete Kelly.
Andrea said: “Most tow floats are made from virgin plastics like nylon which don’t sit well with eco-aware outdoor swimmers.
“We believe we are the first to be offering floats made with recycled plastic bottles. There are three versions, which are available now – a bubble float and two different sized tow floats that can hold small items.
“We’ve drastically reduced our use of PVC and virgin plastic so our Puffin floats set the bar high for environmentally aware, swim safety products.
“Swimmers are very eco conscious and quite rightly so. We have the privilege of swimming in some of the most beautiful lakes, rivers and seas.
“Choosing eco-friendly floats is one way swimmers can reduce the impact of single-use plastics and help the environment.”
Peter, who has been guiding swimmers and introducing new swimmers to the Lakes since 2005, lists tow floats as one of four essential items swimmers need.
That also includes a wetsuit, good googles and a bright swim cap. Peter says open water swimming has huge health benefits but it is important to do it safely.
