First Swim Meet? Tips and What to Take

Last updated on January 10th, 2023 at 03:33 pm

Swim meets are more fun when swimmers and parents come prepared. This list helps new swimmers and parents not only know what to bring to a swim meet it also gives tips to each on what to expect and do there. See also Swim Meet Survival Guide for Newbies.

Swim team leaders: Help swim families come to meets better prepared by sharing this mobile-friendly list! Or print or email the pdf file at the end of the post and share it. See below for tips and a WORD file you can customize and share with your team. Pair with Swim Meet Survival Guide for Newbies for more complete information.

Contents for First Swim Meet? Tips and What to Take

What to Bring to a Swim Meet?
Swim Meet Tips for SWIMMERS
Swim Meet Tips for PARENTS
Note to Swim Team Coaches and Other Leaders
Downloadable Files
- First Swim Meet? Tips and What to Take -- PDF
- First Swim Meet? Tips and What to Take -- WORD
Thank Yous

What to Bring to a Swim Meet?

Tip: Early morning swim meet? Pack the night before. If you have stuff you can’t pack yet, put a note on your bag to remind you in the morning.

Every Meet

Swimsuit * (Team suit if you have one)
Goggles *
Swim Cap * (Team cap if you have one)

*Two (2) is not a bad idea. They can rip or break unexpectedly at the worst times!

2+ Towels (You’ll be getting in and out of the water a lot. Keep one dry until the end of the meet.)
Clothing to put on over a wet swimsuit in between events
Shoes (Flip flops for on deck. Shoes and socks if cold)
Water
Healthy Snacks
- Bagels, crackers, fruit juice, Gatorade, granola bars, fruit, yogurt, cereal, trail mix, sandwiches, bagels
- Want more ideas? See USA Swimming’s Top Tips for Choosing Snacks and What to Eat at a Meet
Bag to put everything in

Outdoor Meets

Bring all the above PLUS

Sunscreen
Extra water
Umbrella or tent to block rain or sun (If desired and needed. Some teams provide tents and some facilities have shade.)
Worried about an Outdoor Swim Meet? Read How to Survive Outdoor Swim Meets by Goggles and Flip Turns.

Also, Consider Bringing

Lunch
A chair or blanket to sit on – at some facilities this is a must.
Warm clothes (Boots and sleeping bags might be warranted sometimes)
Something to do when not swimming (For everyone going with you – things like games, something to read, coloring for younger kids, homework, etc. – Remember, the swim team and meet host are not responsible for lost or stolen items.)
Sharpie marker (To write event, heat, and lane numbers on swimmer’s hand or arm — Especially helpful for new or young swimmers.)
Highlighter (to mark swimmer’s events on the heat sheet)
Hat and Sunglasses (for outdoor meets)
TIP: You may have to walk a while before getting settled at the meet. Remember this when packing.

What if I forget something important?

Don’t panic. Many swim meets have vendors that sell essential items. No vendors? Consider asking a teammate or another friendly swimmer if they have an extra you can use.

Swim Meet Tips for SWIMMERS

Have fun doing the best you can. Race!

Arrive on time

If not told otherwise, be at the competition pool ready to swim at the beginning of warm-ups.

Sit with the team

You’ll get to know teammates and be less likely to miss a swim.

Talk to your coach

Check-in with your coach when you first arrive at the meet. Then again before and after each race. If you have a question about a time, place, or a DQ, talk to your coach.

Warm-up well

A good warmup can help produce good racing.

Get heat and lane info for each event

Don’t know how? Ask an experienced swimmer or your coach. Or, click How to Find Heat and Lane Information at a Swim Meet. Not sure what “heat” and “lane” information is? See How Swim Meets Run (Generally).

In between events, relax. Drink water and snack as needed. Also, keep track of the meet.

Keep track so you get to your next event on time. If not told otherwise, be in your start area about 2-5 events before your next race. (Fewer for longer-length events. More for short events. Unless you’re at a very large meet, the 50s go quick!)

Check with Lane Timers

If reporting to your lane to start a race, give the timers your name and have them check their timing sheet to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. (If instructed to report to a bullpen or a person, check with them.)

You can ask the timers for your time after your swim.

Warm Down

Warm down after racing and talking with your coach.

Cheer and Encourage Teammates

Celebrate Your Swims!

You may get disqualified during your event. You may win your heat. Either way, you’ve learned something from the experience, and congratulations, you are a competitive swimmer. (Thanks SwimSwam for this tip)

Go to Bed Early the Night Before

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

If you have questions about this, ask your coach.

Throw Away Trash

Swim Meet Tips for PARENTS

Have fun!

Aim for the positive and appreciate your child’s attempt to try something new or grow. It’s a celebration of your swimmer’s hard work, and all the times you drove to practice, enjoy it! (Thanks SwimSwam for this tip)

No flash photography

Races begin with a horn and the flash of a strobe. Please help prevent swimmer false starts by refraining from flash photography, especially at the start of races.

Cheer and encourage your child(ren) and teammates

Your child’s success or lack of success in sports does not indicate what kind of parent you are. But having an athlete that is coachable, respectful, a great teammate, resilient, and tries their best is a direct reflection of your parenting efforts. (Thanks Utah Valley Aquatics for this tip)

Volunteer

Swimmers need meets and meets need volunteers. Volunteering helps keep costs down. It also helps parents understand the sport, connect with other swim parents and set a good example for their child(ren). There are a variety of positions available and on-site training available for some. Timing is a great place to start!

Temper your expectations

A tiny percentage of swimmers become Olympic Athletes. A disappointing race is not the end of the world. Celebrating growth and new experiences can help get you and your swimmer through both good and bad times. (See What if my swimmer has a disappointing swim or gets disqualified?)

Support your swimmer

If you have a young swimmer, review the Swim Meet Tips for Swimmers section with them. Encourage them to do what they can. Facilitate and support where needed.
- Help young swimmers find and know their heat and lane number for each event. This is an important skill for competitive swimmers to develop. (Click to learn more: How to Find Heat and Lane Information at a Swim Meet.)
Show older swimmers the Swim Meet Tips for Swimmers section and encourage them to read it and prepare.
When you allow children and youth the space to learn, even when hard, it supports their growth as a person and an athlete.

Ask and answer questions

Connect with other swim parents at the meet. Ask questions when needed and provide answers to others when you can.

Talk to the coach

Do not approach a swim official if you have a question about a time, place, or disqualification. Instead, talk to your young child’s coach or have your child talk with their coach.

Go to bed early, eat well, and stay hydrated

Taking care of your own physical needs will help maintain your spirit, health, and sanity. Then, it’s easier to be a supportive, patient, happy parent when you do. (Thanks SwimSwam for this tip)

Note to Swim Team Coaches and Other Leaders

Share this file and help the new swimmers and parents on your team come to meets better prepared. The WORD file below is easy to customize for your team if desired. Pair with the Swim Meet Survival Guide for Newbies for more complete information. If modifying, you might consider combining the two files into one before sharing them with your team.

Downloadable Files