Lots of people do seem to use swim buoys. Considering trying one.
I hadn't used one until West Reservoir mandated them for skins swimming. They can be annoying when the wind blows it towards you but they are handy for holding onto while you clear your goggles.
I think I'll get one. Not for goggles but for a nice little rest now and then :-) also really as a crutch. I'm more than capable of swimming across the lake but tend to stay within 100m of the edge.
I hadn't used one until West Reservoir mandated them for skins swimming. They can be annoying when the wind blows it towards you but they are handy for holding onto while you clear your goggles.