What you need for a diving competition

A diving competition needs more than diving gear. You also need clearly marked competition zones, reliable timing and scoring equipment, safety supplies, and a way to keep officials and volunteers connected. Plan equipment for the number of competitors, judges and spectators, with backups for anything that can fail in water. The shopping list below covers the practical items to bring or buy before setup, including lighting, power and registration materials.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 12
Marking linesqty 250
Anchor weightsqty 12
Diving flagsqty 4
Spare glassesqty 6
Spare finsqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 80
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Waterproof clipboardsqty 8
Waterproof scorecardsqty 100

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 8
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Portable speaker
Scoreboard
Waterproof cameraqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Charging stationsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Respirator masksqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Competition postersqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Stage ribbonsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 40 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Cheese sandwiches - 25 pieces
- Ham sandwich rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwich rolls - 15 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 4 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Bring at least one spare pair of glasses and one spare set of fins for every 10 competitors. Keep them at the registration or equipment desk so replacements can be issued without delaying a round.
Prepare one stopwatch per judge who records times, plus at least one spare. Test all stopwatches, waterproof walkie-talkies and the megaphone before the first competitor starts.
Use enough competition buoys, marking lines, anchor weights and diving flags to define the full competition area. Check the anchors and lines in the water before participants arrive, not during registration.
Plan one clearly accessible rescue point with life rings and rescue lines, and place first aid kits where volunteers can reach them within 1 minute. Add respirator masks, emergency blankets and nitrile gloves to the safety supplies.
Charge batteries and set up charging stations before the event begins. For an outdoor competition, bring extension cords, power strips and LED work lights; string lights can cover the audience or registration area after dark.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a diving competition?: Prepare life rings, rescue lines, first aid kits, respirator masks, emergency blankets and nitrile gloves. Keep rescue equipment at the water’s edge and make it accessible within 1 minute; check every item before competitors arrive.
How many stopwatches do I need for a diving competition?: Use one stopwatch for each judge who records time, plus at least 1 spare. Test them on the day of the event and keep the spare with the judges’ table.
What should I buy for marking a diving competition area?: Use competition buoys, marking lines, anchor weights and diving flags to define the area. Set everything in place before registration and check that the lines remain visible and secure in the water.
How much spare diving equipment should I bring?: Bring at least 1 spare pair of glasses and 1 spare set of fins for every 10 competitors. Store replacements at the equipment desk and inspect them before the first round.

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