LIST OF ITEMS THAT WILL MAKE SWIM MEETS MORE ENJOYABLE

In your child’s bag:

  • Team T-Shirt- To ward off the chill and present a team appearance!
  • Competition suit. Always pack a spare suit (they do fall apart sometimes!).  
  • Several pairs of goggles (indoor & outdoor). At least two pair (straps break!). You can also pack extra straps, so favorite goggles can be saved (but, replacement takes time - thus the need for an extra pair). Always alternate two pair during practice. NEVER wear untested, new goggles at a meet.
  • Team cap. Pack two, they do tear sometimes!
  • Several towels.Pack at least two (big ones). Everything around the pool gets wet!
  • Change of clothes. For after the meet (to remain dry in a swim bag they must be in a separate compartment or Ziploc bag!).
  • Jackets or parka. Team parka preferred; if it’s not a article of team apparel at LEAST make sure it has team colors!
  • Toiletries- Swim shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, comb, contact solution, girls-only stuff, deodorant, and other bathroom stuff.
  • Sunscreen
  • Permanent Marker/Sharpie — to write Event/Heet/Lane on arm or leg.
  • Deck Sandals- There are plenty of ways to pick up infection and get injured around the pool. MAKE swimmers wear sandals on EVERY pool deck - inside or outside!

For the parents:

  • Sunscreen- Get a waterproof type and put it on you and your swimmer before you get to the meet (it needs time to soak in). Put it on again after a couple of hours. It’s a good idea to have Sunglasses and a hat.
  • Blanket(s) to lay on or cover up with if it cools off
  • Chairs
  • Cooler with water, sports drinks, etc. (no soda)
  • LOTS of food, but no junk food (It is like a healthy feeding frenzy!)
  • Highlighter (to highlight your child in the heat sheet)
  • Pencil/pen (to record times)
  • Extra Plastic Bags- For keeping things dry (various sizes)
  • Entertainment Items- Books (for reading and school work), MP3/CD player (with earphones), CDs, DSIs, playing cards, etc. There’s lots of time between events!
  • INHALERS- If your child is asthmatic, this is the most important thing they own. Different environments have different triggers that can set off an attack. Tell the coach if your child has asthma and where they can find their inhalers! Pack their inhalers! Same for other medications.
  • Ear Drops– (for those prone to ear infections) Usually, a vinegar/alcohol solution in a glycerin base - you don’t want to deal with swimmer’s ear. Use after practice and meets.
  • There are many parents on the team with tents you can use if the meet is at an outside pool. Find the team area and get comfortable.

For both:

  • A GREAT ATTITUDE!

This list is a guideline, but is not all inclusive.  If you have questions, please ask one of the other parents prior to the meet.

Most swim meets have concessions on site for lunch (and sometimes breakfast). Some outdoor venues have shaded areas and some do not. Dress comfortably; many swim facilities do not have indoor areas to allow you to escape the summer heat. Check with parents who have previously attended a meet in a certain area and they will be able to describe the facilities for you. Several families bring portable canopies for shade at outdoor meets.