Swim Meet Survival Guide

Swim meets are a mix of excitement, nerves, and team spirit! Whether you're a swimmer or a parent, knowing your role helps make the experience smoother and more fun.

For Swimmers: How to Be Meet-Ready

  • Arrive Early. Get to the pool at least 15 minutes before warm-ups to check in with coaches, find your events, stretch, and be ready to go.
  • Stick With Your Team. Stay for warm-ups, team meetings, and post-warm-up instructions. Stay focused on your races and support your teammates.
  • Warm-Up & Cool Down. Warm-ups help prepare your body, and cool-down swims (as directed by your coach) are just as important! Do them before checking in with your coach.
  • Talk to Your Coach. Discuss race strategy, goals, and results before and after each event.
  • Respect the Officials. If there’s a concern about a ruling or result, let the head coach handle it after the meet. Do not approach a meet official yourself.
  • Be Prepared. Bring extra goggles, a cap, snacks, and a water bottle. Swim meets can be long—stay fueled and hydrated!
  • Stay Positive. Bad races happen. Learn from them, move on, and focus on the next one!

For Parents: How to Be the Best Swim Meet Supporter

  • Let the Coaches Coach. Your job? Be your swimmer’s biggest cheerleader! Avoid coaching from the stands—trust us, they get plenty of that from us!
  • Be Ready to Volunteer. Swim meets don’t happen without parent help—timers, officials, and helpers are always needed. If asked, step up! More information on Timing can be found here.
  • Know That Disqualifications (DQs) Happen. Every swimmer gets DQ’d at some point—it’s part of the learning process. Encourage growth!
  • Stay Positive & Keep Perspective. Swim meets come with highs and lows—support your swimmer no matter what! Be humble in the wins and encouraging in the tough moments.
  • Bring Your Own Seating. Bleachers fill up fast, so bring a chair and be flexible with your spot.
  • Be Prepared for Downtime. There can be long breaks between events—bring a book, snacks, or something to pass the time.
  • Bring Some Cash. Meet programs, snacks, t-shirts, and goggles—there’s always something to grab last minute.
  • Have Fun! Your child’s time in youth sports flies by—enjoy every moment and make it a great experience for them!

🏊‍♂️ Now, let’s go race! 🏊‍♀️