Swim Bag Packing List

Here's a list of items your swimmer's bag should contain for a meet. Be sure to label everything with your swimmer's name - bags, suits, goggles, towels, etc. look alike, especially new meet t-shirts!

• Team Suit - Always pack a spare suit (they do fall apart sometimes!). For championship meets, don't forget the champs suit.
• Team Swim Cap - Pack two, they tear easily!
• Team T-Shirt - To ward off the chill and look like a team.
• 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.
• Deck Sandals - There's plenty of ways to pick up infection and get injured around the pool. MAKE them wear sandals on EVERY pool deck - inside or outside! Their primary means of propulsion is their feet!
• Towels - Pack at least two (big ones). Everything around the pool gets wet!
• Stretch Rope - For stretching before warm-ups.
• Something Warm to Wear – Sweatshirt, sweatpants, Team jacket; more towels (swimmers like to wrap themselves in towels - it's easy!).
• Water Bottle - A big one, with water in it! Or bottles of sports drink. Swimmers dehydrate easily. They don't realize they are sweating!
• Vaseline - To put on shoulders under suit straps (suits are tight and rub). A small container is adequate. • Ear Drops - Usually, a vinegar/alcohol solution in a glycerin base - you don't want to deal with swimmer's ear. Use after practice and meets. Every practice. Every meet.
• Discreet Snacks (often not allowed on deck) - Raisins, trail mix, Ritz bits w/peanut butter, goldfish, grapes, small chunks of fruit or veggies; favorite dry cereals in Ziploc bags; string cheese; beef jerky; Gatorade Bars or Power Bars; ask around for ideas!
• 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.)
• 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.
• Tylenol / Motrin - For older swimmers, these are good for headaches and body aches.
• Extra Plastic Bags - For keeping things dry (various sizes).