What to Buy for a Canal Swim

A canal swim needs more than swimwear and a place to enter the water. You will need clearly marked start and finish points, visible route buoys, rescue equipment, communication gear and a practical setup for registration and refreshments. Plan supplies for swimmers, supervisors and rescue teams separately, because safety equipment is not interchangeable with general event equipment. Check the forecast, water level and water quality before you buy perishables or fill the coolers.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12

Sports equipment

Route buoysqty 20
Start Line
Finish arch
Swimming buoysqty 12
Rescue boardsqty 4
Life ringsqty 8
Throw linesqty 6
Paddlesqty 8
Life jacketsqty 12
Race bib beltsqty 120
Swim capsqty 120
Timekeeping clocksqty 2
Waterproof route mapsqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Mobile chargersqty 6
Waterproof phone casesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 3
AED
Water temperature metersqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Headlampsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2

Decorations

Route signsqty 16
Directional signsqty 12
Start and finish bannersqty 2
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic conesqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee beans - 4 kilos
- Decaffeinated coffee - 1 kilo
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 4 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Wholemeal Bread - 16 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Turkey breast - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 3 packs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salsa sauce - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 180 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 12 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant hand gel - 12 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 10 boxes
- Aluminum emergency blankets - 40 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Mosquito repellent - 6 bottles
- Balloons - 100 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Paper wristbands - 150 pieces
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Notepads - 10 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Envelopes - 150 pieces
- Labels - 300 pieces

Tips

Set aside one clearly labelled storage crate for rescue equipment, including life rings, throw lines, rescue boards and life jackets. Keep it near the water rather than buried under tables, chairs or participant supplies.
Use waterproof phone cases and fully charged walkie-talkies for the people supervising the route. Add mobile chargers and extension cords to the equipment order so communication does not depend on one phone battery.
Prepare route buoys and swimming buoys before event day, then check that every marker is visible from the water. A start line and finish arch make the course easier to identify for swimmers and supervisors.
Fill coolers and water jugs shortly before participants arrive, and keep thermos flasks ready for hot drinks if the weather is cool. Reusable cups, plates and cutlery should be counted for participants plus crew, not just registered swimmers.
Pack lighting for the time people will arrive, leave or dismantle the course. LED work lights and headlamps are useful for setup and safety; string lights are not a substitute for route or rescue visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a canal swim?: Plan for route buoys, a start line, a finish arch, swimming buoys and rescue equipment such as life rings, throw lines, rescue boards and life jackets. Add walkie-talkies, stopwatches, megaphones and waterproof phone cases for the supervising team.
How many coolers do I need for a canal swim?: The number depends on participant count and weather, but use at least one dedicated cooler for chilled drinks and one separate cooler for food or backup supplies. Fill them shortly before the start and check the forecast 24 hours beforehand.
What should I buy for the canal swim finish area?: Prepare water jugs, reusable cups, thermos flasks and enough plates and cutlery for swimmers and crew. Tables, chairs, storage crates and a clothes rack also help keep the finish area organised without placing belongings near the water.
When should I check the water and weather for a canal swim?: Check water quality and the forecast before finalising purchases, then review the forecast and water level again 24 hours before the swim. Recheck conditions on the morning of the event before setting out the route.

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