THE DUO behind a popular Ambleside open water swimming company have launched a new business that aims to combine maximum safety with sustainability.

Puffin Swim has grown out of a heritage developed by Pete and Andrea Kelly who run the Ambleside based Swim the Lakes.

The couple are specialists in outdoor swimming, offering guided swims in the Lake District. They also supply wetsuits and equipment and have now launched a biodegradable swim tow float.

The Billy Eco15 Drybag float is a bright inflatable swim tow float designed to increase the visibility of the swimmer to other water users and increase safety.

Tow floats are normally made from PVC or PVC coated nylon. The biodegradable tow float from Puffin Swim gives swimmers a more environmentally-friendly choice.

The new project is driven by the team’s love of wild and beautiful places and an understanding that they must try to reduce their impact upon them and to help protect them.

Andrea said: “Puffin Swim is passionate about swimming outdoors and the real adventure of using swimming as a means to explore the wild environment and travel through open water.

"For this we need reliable, good equipment that will empower us, improve our experience and be functional.

“But we have a duty to protect the environment as well as our clients. We rely on good equipment day in, day out, for work and play.

"We have tried and tested all of our products and will continue to source and design the best products for the greatest experiences. But wherever possible, these must be sustainable.”

The couple's first product, the tow float, is both tough and durable.

Andrea said: “For those who might be thinking how can it float on water if it degrades? But it’s not affected by water. It will not degrade in use, only when composted.

“Biodegradable TPU is very durable and resistant to abrasions. It is also very tear and puncture resistant making it an ideal material for a swim float. It will last as long, if not longer than a PVC float; the big difference is in the way it is disposed of, composted rather than landfill.”

More information about the new company and its product, visit http://www.puffinswim.co.uk/ or contact Andrea Kelly on chuffin@puffinswim.co.uk