Youth swimming equipment checklist

The basics every swimmer needs

Swimming is one of the simplest sports to equip. A beginner does not need much, and most of it is inexpensive. Ask your team for a list, because requirements vary. Here is what nearly every young swimmer uses.

• A swimsuit made for training. Look for one designed to hold up in chlorine. Regular fashion suits can wear out quickly and may come loose during a dive. Expensive racing or “tech” suits are not needed for beginners, and some age-group meets restrict them.
• Goggles. The most important piece of gear. They protect eyes from chlorine and let swimmers see the wall and lane line.
• A swim cap. Helps keep hair out of the face and reduces drag. Some teams require one, and some provide team caps.
• Towels. Bring at least one, and a second for long meets.
• A water bottle. Swimmers sweat in the water without noticing it.

Fit tips for goggles, suits and caps

Goggles

Fit matters more than price. To test a pair, press the lenses gently to the eyes without the strap. If they stay put for a moment with light suction, the seal is likely a good fit. Then adjust the strap so it is snug but not painful. Goggles that leave deep marks or leak constantly are the wrong shape for that face, so try another style. Many swimmers keep a spare pair in the bag, because straps break at inconvenient times.

Swimsuits

A suit should be snug but comfortable. It should not gap at the leg openings or straps, and it should not dig in. Children grow quickly, so check fit at the start of every season. Sizing varies from one maker to another, so try suits on when possible.

Caps

A cap should cover the hair and ears if desired without pulling on the head. Silicone and latex are both common materials. If your child has a latex allergy, choose silicone and tell the coach. Long hair is easiest to manage when tied back before putting the cap on.

Practice gear your coach may ask for

Many teams use training tools. Do not buy these until the coach tells you what to get, because the right size and type depends on the swimmer and the plan.

• Kickboard: a float held in the hands to isolate the legs.
• Pull buoy: a float held between the thighs to isolate the arms.
• Fins: short swim fins used for kick work and technique drills.
• Paddles: hand paddles used mostly by older swimmers. Many coaches do not use them with young children, so ask first.
• Mesh bag: carries wet gear and lets it dry.

Some teams provide kickboards and buoys for the pool deck. Ask what is shared and what swimmers bring themselves.

Safety and comfort items

• Sandals or flip-flops for walking on the deck, which can be slippery.
• Warm clothes or a team parka for staying warm between races at meets.
• Sunscreen for outdoor pools.
• Ear protection only if a doctor or coach recommends it. Some swimmers use earplugs. Ask a doctor about any ear, skin or eye concerns.
• A change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet items.

Always follow the pool's rules. A beginner should have a coach or lifeguard on deck, should not swim alone, and should not run on the pool deck. If your child is not yet comfortable in deep water, tell the coach right away so they can place the swimmer in a suitable lane or group.

Taking care of swim gear

1. Rinse suits, caps and goggles in fresh water after practice.
2. Do not wring out a suit hard or leave it in a hot car.
3. Hang suits to dry instead of leaving them in a wet bag.
4. Keep goggle lenses free of fingerprints. Do not wipe the inside of the lens, as many have an anti-fog coating that can be rubbed off.
5. Label everything. Black suits and clear goggles look alike on a crowded deck.

A simple meet bag checklist

• Team suit and a spare suit
• Two pairs of goggles and a spare cap
• Two towels
• Water bottle and snacks
• Warm clothes and deck shoes
• Something quiet to do between events

For help with the routine of the whole season, see how to prepare for swimming season, and to learn what words on the team list mean, see swimming terms for new parents.