Abstract: The tape for protecting and mechanically supporting an optical, power, or other such cable is disclosed. An open cell foam layer is coated or layered with a super absorbent layer that is attached to one side of a support layer. In this arrangement, when exposed to water the super absorbent layer expands or swells into the open cell layer. The inner core of the cable is surrounded by the tape with the side of the open cell layer distal from the super absorbent layer facing the inner core. The support layer may have the protective open cell and super absorbent combination attached to both sides of the support layer.