• Bathers (ensure compliant with SV code for swimmers age), SSC swim cap, goggles.
• Spare pair of bathers - that way they have a pair in case of malfunction or if they want to change between warm up and their races.
• Spare pair of goggles and SSC swim cap - in case either breaks.
• 2 towels, possibly 3 if it’s cooler weather as towels are harder to dry between races.
• Camp chairs - you possibly won’t need one for every member of your family, especially if you're prepared to share between races and parent duties. This saves on space under the marquee.
• Healthy snacks – including sandwich, crackers, nuts, fruit.
• Drink bottles for water (refill stations are available at most venues).
• Swimmers should be wearing SSC polo shirt, navy tracksuit pants, leggings, shorts and runners for land warm up and official group photos.
• Warm jacket, dressing gown, deck jacket or blanket and Ugg boots, thongs for marshalling as often this is outside even for winter meets and swimmers get cold whilst they wait to race.
• A book, card games or other activities that swimmers can do whilst sitting under marquee waiting to marshall for races. Sometimes there can be quite a wait depending on total amount of swimmers at a meet.

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Tips for First-Time Competition Parents/Guardians

Attending your first-ever swim competition? Here are some helpful tips:

• List the swimmers event number on their hand or forearms with a waterproof, permanent marker. Write Event number, stroke, distance, heat and lane. For example. Event 34 / 50m Free / Heat 1 / Lane 4 (or E34, 50 Free, H1, L4).
• The emphasis at Swim Meets is trying out a swimmer’s new skills. It is not about winning or losing! We encourage swimmers to swim as fast as they can and doing their best.
• Nerves are normal… for both swimmers and parents/carers. Remember swimmer’s nerves will be worse if they can sense their parent’s/carers nerves.
• Coaches and Team Managers are always available to help any swimmer (new or experienced) if they are feeling upset, anxious or nervous.
• Cheer on your team, cheer on your swimmer!