How To Survive A Swim Meet
Plan on arriving at least 10 minutes before warm up begins (8:30am).
Find the check in tables. Check in for all of your events at the same time. You can write your event numbers on your hand or arm with a permanent marker.
Find your team and take all your things there.
Your swimmer's bag should contain: cap, goggles, sunscreen, towel, etc. Lable everything if you want to make sure it gets back to you.
* SWIM CAP: It's always good to have a spare swim cap in case it tears.
* GOGGLES: It's good to also have an extra strap for the goggles in case it breaks, or another pair of goggles.
Most meets have a swim shop there for last minute buys, but sometimes it is difficult to get a swim shop to come to the small town meets. Also, if there is a
particular brand of goggles or cap your swimmer prefers, it may be difficult to find at a swim shop. Tanya likes to recommend the Swimple goggles for the
younger kids and the Vanquisher goggles for the older kids, both by Speedo. During warm ups, make sure the goggles fit correctly so they don't end up around
your child's neck during competition.
* SUNSCREEN: Apply BEFORE they get in the water. It needs time to work. Reapply frequently, even on overcast days.
* WATER: Hydrate or die. Supply your swimmer with plenty of water. The sun and the chlorine or salt water dehydrate them quickly.
* FOOD: Bring plenty of nutritious snacks. There's also concessions to buy food from, but make sure your swimmer stays away from the sugary foods.
* SPARE CLOTHES: Some meets, including our own, can be quite chilly, especially in the morning. Bring warm sweats, or something your swimmer can pull over
his/her swim suit easily, in order to keep warm when not in the pool. Don't let them expend all their energy shivering.
* MISC: EZ ups, blankets, lawn chairs are all helpful
After getting all your things to the team area, FIND TANYA. Check in with your coach. The coach gives advice for warming up and will watch your swims.
When it is time for racing:
* CHECK LANE ASSIGNMENTS: There is a board that heat and lane assignments are posted on. Take note of it and go tell Tanya. She will tell you what to swim to
warm up. This also lets her know where and when you are swimming so she can watch you.
* BE ON TIME: If you are late to the block, you may get disqualified (DQ).
* AFTER YOUR RACE: Go check in with Tanya again. She can tell you your time, if you got a DQ, why, what you need to improve on, and what to do to cool down.
* COOL DOWN: Swimmers should always cool down after their swim.
Above all, have fun and enjoy your time in the water and with your teammates.
Find the check in tables. Check in for all of your events at the same time. You can write your event numbers on your hand or arm with a permanent marker.
Find your team and take all your things there.
Your swimmer's bag should contain: cap, goggles, sunscreen, towel, etc. Lable everything if you want to make sure it gets back to you.
* SWIM CAP: It's always good to have a spare swim cap in case it tears.
* GOGGLES: It's good to also have an extra strap for the goggles in case it breaks, or another pair of goggles.
Most meets have a swim shop there for last minute buys, but sometimes it is difficult to get a swim shop to come to the small town meets. Also, if there is a
particular brand of goggles or cap your swimmer prefers, it may be difficult to find at a swim shop. Tanya likes to recommend the Swimple goggles for the
younger kids and the Vanquisher goggles for the older kids, both by Speedo. During warm ups, make sure the goggles fit correctly so they don't end up around
your child's neck during competition.
* SUNSCREEN: Apply BEFORE they get in the water. It needs time to work. Reapply frequently, even on overcast days.
* WATER: Hydrate or die. Supply your swimmer with plenty of water. The sun and the chlorine or salt water dehydrate them quickly.
* FOOD: Bring plenty of nutritious snacks. There's also concessions to buy food from, but make sure your swimmer stays away from the sugary foods.
* SPARE CLOTHES: Some meets, including our own, can be quite chilly, especially in the morning. Bring warm sweats, or something your swimmer can pull over
his/her swim suit easily, in order to keep warm when not in the pool. Don't let them expend all their energy shivering.
* MISC: EZ ups, blankets, lawn chairs are all helpful
After getting all your things to the team area, FIND TANYA. Check in with your coach. The coach gives advice for warming up and will watch your swims.
When it is time for racing:
* CHECK LANE ASSIGNMENTS: There is a board that heat and lane assignments are posted on. Take note of it and go tell Tanya. She will tell you what to swim to
warm up. This also lets her know where and when you are swimming so she can watch you.
* BE ON TIME: If you are late to the block, you may get disqualified (DQ).
* AFTER YOUR RACE: Go check in with Tanya again. She can tell you your time, if you got a DQ, why, what you need to improve on, and what to do to cool down.
* COOL DOWN: Swimmers should always cool down after their swim.
Above all, have fun and enjoy your time in the water and with your teammates.