What to Buy for a Four-Day Swim Event

A four-day swim event needs more than pool equipment. You will also need supplies for registration, timing, participant information, changing-room directions and daily reset work. Plan for equipment that can get wet, paperwork that must stay readable, and backup power for devices used across four days. Use the list below as your purchasing checklist, then confirm quantities against your participant numbers and volunteer schedule.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletqty 2
Mobile phoneqty 4
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Portable speaker
Power banksqty 4

Sports equipment

Swimming kickboardsqty 20
Pull buoysqty 20
Swim armbandsqty 20
Starting whistleqty 2
Round signsqty 8
Waterproof stopwatchqty 4
Counter displaysqty 8
Swim capsqty 120
Towelsqty 20

Registration

Wristbandsqty 150
Round cardsqty 150
Name stickersqty 150
Pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Bindersqty 6
Printer paperqty 2
Envelopesqty 150
Certificatesqty 150
Wristband cutterqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Life ringqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Non-slip matsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Clothespinsqty 24

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Reusable cupsqty 200
Reusable mugsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 24 liters
- Orange juice - 24 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar sticks - 500 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 6 kilo
- Turkey breast - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Jam - 6 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Low-fat margarine - 3 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Bell peppers - 4 kilo
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Mandarins - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Raisins - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Velcro - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Duct tape - 6 rolls
- Clear tape - 6 rolls
- Permanent markers - 24 pieces
- Color stickers - 500 pieces
- Paper wristbands - 150 pieces

Tips

Prepare one registration kit for each active check-in point: include wristbands, name stickers, pens, markers, clipboards, participant lists and printer paper. Keep spare paper and envelopes in a dry binder or box.
Allow at least two towels per volunteer or official working near the pool each day, plus extra towels for wet equipment and unexpected spills. Replenish them between sessions rather than waiting until the final day.
Charge the laptop, tablet, mobile phone, portable speaker and power banks before every event day. Pack extension cords and power strips, and test the full setup at least one day before the first swim.
Keep timing and lap-counting equipment together in a waterproof container: the waterproof stopwatch, starting whistle, counter displays, round cards and round signs should be easy to reach from poolside.
Buy or collect consumable supplies for all four days before the first session. Check printer paper, pens, wristbands, name stickers and envelopes after each day so a low stock is found before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a four-day swim event?: You need registration supplies, pool equipment, timing tools, signage, towels, furniture, power accessories and devices for recording swimming data. The plan includes 59 items; confirm final quantities using your participant and volunteer numbers.
How many towels should I buy for a four-day swim event?: Start with two towels per poolside volunteer or official per day, then add a reserve for wet equipment and spills. For example, six poolside staff require at least 48 towels for four days before adding extras.
When should I buy supplies for a four-day swim event?: Complete the main shopping at least 7 days before the first swim. Check the full list again 2 days before the event, and test devices, printer supplies and power equipment at least 1 day before.
What should I pack for swim event registration?: Pack wristbands, round cards, name stickers, pens, markers, clipboards, binders, printer paper and envelopes, along with the laptop, tablet or printer used at the desk. Prepare one clearly labelled kit per registration point at least 1 day beforehand.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.