Things to remember to bring with you to a meet:

·         Competition Suit- Always pack a spare suit (they do fall apart sometimes!). Suits should be navy and white or all navy. Team suits are optional and are available for purchase during periodic group orders. 

·         Team Swim Cap- Pack two, they tear easily!

·         Team T-Shirt- or other shirt/sweatshirt to ward off the chill.

·         Goggles- 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.

·         Snacks/Drinks - Pack plenty of water and maybe some sports drinks for the day. For long meets, swimmers may also want a light healthy snack to fuel between meets, each choices are fruit, granola bars, and the like.  Swimmers may also want to pack a lunch if they are swimming all day.

·         Baby Powder- To lightly dust inside of swim caps after drying them; keeps them from sticking together and makes them easier to put on! (A sample size will last a long time).

·         Deck Sandals- There’s plenty of ways to pick up infection and get injured around the pool.  MAKE swimmers wear sandals on EVERY pool deck - inside or outside!

·         Gloves/Socks- meets during cold weather require you to keep your hands & feet warm for better performances.

·         Towels- Pack at least two (big ones).  Everything around the pool gets wet!

·         Old blanket or sleeping bag (softer than your average gym floor, but know it may get wet)

·         Something Warm to Wear- Team parka; if it’s not a article of team apparel at LEAST make sure it has team colors!

·         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.

·         Toiletries- Swim shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, comb, contact solution, girls-only stuff, deodorant, and other bathroom stuff. 

·         A DRY Change of Clothes- For after the meet (to remain dry in a swim bag they must be in a separate compartment or Ziploc bag!). 

·         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. 

·         Entertainment Items- Books (for reading and school work), music w headphones, playing cards, etc.  There’s lots of time between events! (Please remember that items may get wet!)

·         Extra Plastic Bags- For keeping things dry (various sizes)

·         Sunscreen- Get a waterproof type and put it on 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.

·         Permanent Marker/Sharpie — to write Event/Heet/Lane on arm or leg.

·         Printed heet sheets - most meets do not print or sell these anymore.

·         A GREAT ATTITUDE!

For Spectators:

Spectators will need many of the same items as swimmers - printed heat sheets, weather appropriate clothing, chairs or blankets to sit on, entertainment items and snacks.  Some swim meets have concessions on site for lunch. Some have shaded areas and some do not, check the meet invitation for facility and spectator details. 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. Some families bring portable canopies for shade at outdoor meets.