Swim meet day can be exciting, busy and sometimes a little stressful. The last thing you want is to arrive at the pool and realise you’ve forgotten something important.

Packing your swim bag the night before means you can arrive feeling prepared and focus on your races.

Here’s our ultimate checklist of what to pack for your swim meet.

Your Swimming Equipment

First, make sure you have all the equipment you need for the pool.

• Swimsuit: Pack your competition suit and consider bringing a spare, especially if you have several races.
• Goggles: Your goggles are one of the most important things in your bag. Bring a spare pair if you have one.
• Swim cap: Pack your competition cap, plus a spare in case it breaks or gets lost.
• Towels: Bring at least two towels so you have a dry one available later in the day.
• Flip flops or pool shoes: Great for walking around the pool deck and keeping your feet protected.
• Goggles case: Keep your spare goggles somewhere safe when you’re not using them.
• Mesh equipment bag: A separate bag can help keep all your wet swimming equipment together.

Staying Warm Between Races

There can be a lot of waiting around at a swim meet, and the pool environment can get chilly.

Pack some warm layers such as:

• Hoodie or jumper
• Tracksuit bottoms
• Dressing gown or changing robe
• Warm socks
• Spare T-shirt
• Extra towel

A changing robe can be particularly useful for staying warm between races and while moving around the pool.

Food and Drinks

Swim meets can last for several hours, so make sure you have enough food and fluids to keep you going.

Bring:

• Plenty of water
• Easy-to-eat snacks
• Fruit such as bananas
• Cereal or energy bars
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Crackers or rice cakes

Stick to foods you know work well for you. A competition isn’t the best time to try something completely new.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

The small items can make a big difference on meet day.

Add these to your bag:

• Phone
• Portable charger
• Headphones
• Hair ties
• Tissues
• Hand sanitiser
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Plasters
• Toiletries
• Plastic bag for wet swimwear
• Money or card if needed

A little preparation can make a big difference on swim meet day. Pack your bag the night before, double-check your equipment and give yourself plenty of time to get to the pool.

Once your bag is packed and you’re ready to go, you can focus on what really matters: getting in the pool and giving your best!