What to Expect at Your First Swim Meet

Before the Meet

Preparation is key to a successful swim meet. Here’s what you should do before the big day:

• Check the Meet Schedule – Make sure you know the date, time, and location of the meet. Arrive early to allow time for warm-ups and check in.
• Scout the Location Ahead of Time – If it’s your first time at the pool, take a look at the venue using Google Maps satellite view. This can help you identify parking areas, entrances, and where the pool is located within the facility. Knowing this in advance makes arrival less stressful.
• Pack the Essentials – Bring swimsuits, goggles, swim caps, towels (one for warm up + one for each event that day), healthy snacks, water bottles, sharpie (for arm marking) and warm clothing for in-between races.
• Review the Events – Your child’s coach will provide a list of the events they are swimming. Write these down or use our helpful meet sheet document.
• Eat a good dinner the night before – This will be the majority of the energy your swimmer will require for the next day.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Rest is crucial for peak performance!

At the Meet

On the day of the meet, here’s what to expect:

• Check-In & Warm-Up – Upon arrival, swimmers may need to check in at the meet to confirm the events they are swimming. Head over to the check-in tent before warm-ups. Join their team for warm-ups to get ready for competition.
• Arm Marking – It’s common for swimmers—especially younger ones—to have their events written on their arms to stay organized during a meet.
  • Use a fine-tip Sharpie or temporary tattoo pen; it’s waterproof and won’t smudge easily.
  • Write on the inside of the forearm or hand so it’s easily visible.
  • Include only known info—leave “Heat” and “Lane” blank if not assigned yet.
  • Organize by event number for easy reference.

• Event Announcements – Races are organized into heats. Some scoreboards will have the current event and heat number displayed. Otherwise you will need to listen as events are usually called over a loudspeaker.
• Races & Timing – Swimmers compete in their events, and times are recorded. While winning is great, personal improvement is the real goal!
  • Volunteering as a Timer? – Timing is one of the most common volunteer roles at a meet. If you’ve signed up, be sure to check out our post, Dive in and Time, for helpful tips and instructions.
• Team Spirit – Encourage your child to cheer for their teammates and enjoy the camaraderie of the team.

Make the Most of Downtime

Swim meets often include periods of waiting between events. This downtime is a perfect opportunity for team bonding—swimmers can relax, play games, and support one another. For parents, it’s a great time to connect with other swim families, ask questions, and get involved in the community. These relationships often become one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of a swim team.

After the Meet

Once the meet is over, be sure to:

• Cool Down & Stretch – This helps prevent soreness and promotes recovery.
• Hydrate & Refuel – Eating a healthy meal and drinking plenty of water is essential after competition.
• Celebrate Achievements – No matter the results, recognize your swimmer’s effort and progress.

Final Tips for Parents

• Support your swimmer with positive encouragement, regardless of their performance. Let the coaches coach and you are there to cheer and support your swimmer.
• Get involved! Swim meets are volunteer-run, and helping out is a great way to engage with the team and meet other parents.