Whether this is your first or tenth summer, here are some tips to make swim meets run more smoothly for all of us!

1. RSVP: This is a big one! If you don’t RSVP, your swimmer won’t be signed up to swim! All RSVPs are handled through Swimtopia. We will attempt to accommodate requests for swimmer stroke preferences, but we also are trying to get as many points as possible so may need your swimmer to change it up some. We’ll send out emails reminding you to RSVP before every meet!

2. Volunteer: Check out our Volunteer page for more information; but long story short - we need you!

3. Arm Labeling: Help get your kid to the right place at the right time! We’ll send out an entry list and heat sheet the day of each swim meet. Using a sharpie, create a table on your swimmer’s arm or thigh and write Event (E), Heat (H), Lane (L) and Stroke (S). Then, fill in the information on your swimmer’s races.

*Hint: Put sunscreen on BEFORE you do this. Putting sunscreen on after will smear the sharpie.

**Extra hint from the pros: If your swimmer decides to go sharpie crazy and draw some bubbles and sun devils on their backs (most kids love to do this), save the leather on your cars by making sure they wear a shirt or put a towel behind them.

4. Bullpen: Typically set up on the side of the pool with the starting blocks, bullpens help us ensure swimmers for upcoming events are ready to go. SUPER IMPORTANT for our 12 and under kiddos, send them over 3-4 events prior to their event. A volunteer will line them up and ensure they get to the right lane for the right heat. Be sure to send your swimmer over with googles and their cap. NOTE: our older kiddos typically want to show their maturity and get to their lanes by themselves. That is fine, but please help make sure they actually do it! Having to tell a kiddo they missed an event is such a bummer (and we want those points so we can win the meet! :))

5. What to Bring: Meets are fun, but they can be long and hot. But we’ve got you covered.

• First and foremost, LABEL your items!!!
• Pack your swimmers’ swim cap, goggles (extras can be a good thing!), one or two towels and sunscreen.
• Keep your swimmer(s) and yourself hydrated and fed. Pack drinks and snacks. Also, for both home and away meets, concessions are typically available. Buying food from concessions is a great way to support both teams! At our home meets, cash or venmo are accepted.
• Get comfortable! Pack folding chairs, a good hat, and you’ll see lots of hand and neck fans.
• For really young swimmers, consider packing activities to keep them occupied during down time.

6. Where to Park: For home meets, we recommend walking if you can since it will get crowded! Otherwise, feel free to park on the street, but let’s try to only park on one side so as to keep it safe for everyone. For away meets, we will typically send out directions or a map of where to park.

7. Changes of Plans / Rain: Life happens, but communication makes it a lot easier!

• If your swimmer needs to leave prior to the completion of their assigned events, please speak to a coach directly. This ensures no one is searching for a child who has left and ensures our coaches can make modifications for relays to allow as many swimmers to swim as possible.
• Rain/thunder/lightning is out of our control and we follow the instructions of our trained lifeguards. When rain delays happen, we cozy up under pavilions or indoors!. Depending on where we are during the meet and what time it is, we will sometimes call it and send everyone home. Sometimes, and very rarely, are swim meets entirely cancelled.