Waterproof Gear for Swimming | Keep Your Phone & Keys Dry
Waterproof Gear for Swimming: How to Keep Your Phone, Keys & Valuables Dry
If you're taking valuables into the water, splash resistance isn't enough. Your storage needs to handle full submersion.
The best waterproof gear for swimming keeps your phone, keys, wallet and other small valuables protected during complete submersion. If you need to take essentials into a pool, lake, river or ocean, compact waterproof storage designed for actual underwater exposure is far more useful than a water-resistant bag.
Swimming creates a simple problem: if you're bringing something with you, it's probably going underwater.
That's very different from hiking in the rain or sitting on a boat where a bag might only get splashed.
If your phone, key fob or wallet is coming into the water, the bag protecting it needs to be chosen for submersion, not just moisture.
How do you keep your phone and keys dry while swimming?
Use waterproof storage specifically designed for complete submersion, make sure the closure is fully sealed before entering the water, and keep the bag securely attached to your body. Water-resistant bags designed only for rain or splashes are not the same as submersible waterproof storage.
Why Swimming Requires Real Waterproof Protection
With swimming, full water exposure isn't an edge case.
Your bag may be underwater repeatedly for extended periods, whether you're swimming at a beach, crossing a lake, playing in a pool or wading through deeper water.
That's why the word "waterproof" needs to mean more than simply shedding rain.
What Should You Take Into the Water?
Usually, as little as possible.
If you have a secure locker, vehicle or someone watching your belongings, leaving unnecessary valuables behind is simpler.
But when that isn't an option, the items you may need to carry can include:
- Phone
- Car key or key fob
- ID
- One payment card
- Small amount of cash
- Hotel or cruise key card
- Small personal essentials
Can You Swim With Your Phone?
You can carry a phone while swimming, but it needs appropriate protection.
Even if your phone has a manufacturer's water-resistance rating, placing it inside dedicated waterproof storage adds an extra barrier between expensive electronics and the water.
It also makes the phone easier to keep attached to you rather than trying to hold it while swimming.
Where Do You Put Your Car Keys While Swimming?
Electronic key fobs are one of the most important things to think about before entering the water.
Leaving a key underneath a towel, inside a shoe or hidden near your vehicle isn't especially secure.
If you need to take the key with you, it should be inside reliable waterproof storage.
Mechanical Key
A traditional non-electronic key is much less vulnerable to water.
- No electronic components
- Can often tolerate water exposure
- Still needs to be secured so it isn't lost
Electronic Key Fob
Modern keys contain electronics and deserve more protection.
- Can be expensive to replace
- Should stay dry
- Needs secure waterproof storage
Waterproof Crossbody vs. Phone Pouch for Swimming
Both can work, but they solve slightly different problems.
Waterproof Crossbody
Useful when you're carrying several small valuables together.
- Phone
- Car key
- Wallet
- ID
- Cards
- Small personal items
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Works well when your phone is the only major item you're carrying.
- Very compact
- Simple phone storage
- Usually less room for keys and other gear
Why a Waterproof Crossbody Makes Sense for Swimming
If you need to carry more than just a phone, a compact waterproof crossbody gives you one place for your essentials without carrying a bulky dry bag into the water.
- Keeps phone, keys and cards together
- Stays attached to your body
- Provides more storage than a basic phone pouch
- Useful before, during and after swimming
- Designed for real waterproof protection
- Lets you keep valuables with you instead of leaving them unattended
Can You Swim With a Crossbody Bag?
Yes, as long as the bag is designed for the amount of water exposure involved and is worn securely.
The biggest issue isn't just waterproofing. It's movement.
Any bag worn while swimming should stay close to your body rather than hanging loose and creating unnecessary drag.
Adjust the strap so the bag stays close to your body rather than swinging while you swim.
A lighter bag is more comfortable and creates less drag in the water.
Check the zipper or closure before getting into the water.
Make sure the bag and closure aren't damaged before trusting them with electronics underwater.
Swimming in a Pool vs. Lake vs. Ocean
The waterproof requirement is similar, but each environment adds its own challenges.
| Environment | Main Concerns | What Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | Full submersion, chlorine | Submersible storage and rinsing afterward |
| Lake | Deep water, mud, losing gear | Secure attachment and waterproof protection |
| Ocean | Saltwater, waves, sand | Submersion protection and fresh-water rinsing |
| River | Current, rocks, moving water | Secure fit and appropriate water protection |
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant for Swimming
This is one activity where water resistance generally isn't enough for valuables.
| Protection | Designed For | Swimming Use |
|---|---|---|
| Water-Resistant | Rain and light splashes | Not intended for swimming |
| Waterproof | Significant water exposure | Depends on the product's rating |
| Submersible | Complete underwater exposure | Best suited for swimming |
How to Use a Waterproof Bag While Swimming
Check the material, zipper and closure for obvious damage before use.
Keep your swimming setup compact by carrying only critical valuables.
Make sure the waterproof closure is completely engaged before entering the water.
Keep the strap snug so the bag stays close to your body while swimming.
After saltwater or chlorinated water, rinse the exterior and closure with fresh water and allow it to dry.
Swimming Gear FAQs
Can I swim with a waterproof bag?
Yes, if the bag is designed for complete submersion and is worn securely. A product designed only for rain or splashes should not automatically be assumed safe for swimming.
How do I keep my phone dry while swimming?
Place it inside waterproof storage designed for submersion, completely seal the closure and keep the bag securely attached to your body before entering the water.
Where do I put my keys while swimming?
If secure lockers or storage aren't available, keep keys in reliable waterproof storage attached to you. Electronic key fobs should be protected from water rather than carried loose in a swimsuit pocket.
Is water-resistant enough for swimming?
No, not for valuables you expect to take underwater. Water-resistant generally refers to limited exposure such as splashes or rain, while swimming requires protection against complete immersion.
Can I swim in the ocean with a waterproof bag?
A properly rated submersible bag can be used around ocean water. Afterward, rinse it with fresh water to remove salt and sand from the material, zipper and hardware.
Should I test a waterproof bag before putting my phone inside?
Following the manufacturer's care and testing instructions is a smart precaution, especially before the first use or after the bag has experienced significant wear.
Take the Essentials Into the Water
Sometimes leaving your phone, car key and wallet sitting unattended on shore isn't the best option.
The SKÖ Waterproof Crossbody gives your small essentials a waterproof place to stay while keeping them attached to you in and around the water.
Fully waterproof protection for your everyday essentials.