What to Do Before the Meet:
Be sure to "Eat Before the Meet". Swim meets can be hectic. Swimmers should eat a substantial, high carb snack around 3-4 pm (like pasta), so they can just eat small snacks during the meet. The heats go quite quickly, so please plan your child’s eating around their events. There will be at least two events every meet that your child is not swimming. This is the perfect time for a snack.
Mark your swimmer's arm. To see how this is done, go here.
Have your swimmer go to the bathroom. This is an important reminder for our little ones. Quite often the younger swimmers will be lining up for a race and a child will ask if there is time to go to the bathroom.
What to Bring to the Meet:
Most important - Swimsuit, team cap, and goggles. An extra pair of goggles are good to have, in case the first pair breaks or gets lost.
Towels - Bring at least two. They will get wet after the first event or two and your swimmer will want a dry one.
Something to sit on - For example, sleeping bag, old blanket, anything comfortable. The swimmer will be spending a lot of time on it.
Warm dry clothes - For example, sweats. Swimmers may become cold while waiting for the next event. Each swimmer may want to bring two sets, because they get wet and soggy.
Something to do - Game systems, a deck of cards, coloring books, magazines, travel games, anything to pass the time while waiting between events.
Food - It is a good idea to bring snacks. There are usually concessions at the meets, but the lines can get long and they may have some items that you would rather your swimmer not eat. Suggestions: Yogurt, fruit, granola bars, cheese/crackers, veggies and dip, trail mix, dry cereal, rice crispie treats, sandwiches. Avoid junk food such as soda, fried food, chips, and high sugar items.
Drink - Water bottle, fruit juice, Gatorade
Sharpie - Always good to have on hand in case you need to remark your swimmer
Chairs for the parents to sit in while watching the meet.
Try to wear your team T-shirt to show your Stingray pride!
Label everything with your name. It's amazing what gets left behind at swim meets!