Swim relay shopping list

A swim relay needs more than lane space and a stopwatch. You will need race equipment, clear participant identification, safety gear, timing tools and a practical setup for registration and catering. This list covers items such as relay batons, competition goggles, whistles, life rings, stopwatches, tables and reusable cups. Check quantities against your team format and venue rules before shopping, especially for safety equipment and power needs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Foldable tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Relay batonsqty 12
Field linesqty 8
Competition swim gogglesqty 6
Conesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 80
Starting blocksqty 8
Whistlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 8
Life ringsqty 2
Rescue linesqty 2
Non-slip matsqty 10
Towelsqty 30

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Socket protectionqty 4
Digital clock
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Thermal glovesqty 2

Catering

Trash can labelsqty 12
Coffee filtersqty 100
Napkinsqty 300
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10
Medalsqty 30
Winner's cupsqty 6

Cleaning

Mopsqty 6
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
First aid kitqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Peach iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sports drink lemon - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Wholemeal bake-off rolls - 120 pieces
- White bake-off rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian slices - 3 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted popcorn - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Prepare one relay baton for each active relay lane, plus at least one spare. A missing or damaged baton can stop an entire heat.
Provide one bib number or participant badge for every swimmer, official and volunteer who needs to be identified. Print a few extras for late registrations or replacements.
Count safety equipment before race day: have life rings and rescue lines ready at the pool, and place non-slip mats where swimmers, officials and volunteers will walk.
Allow one stopwatch for each person responsible for timing, with at least one backup. Test the digital clock, microphones, megaphone and walkie-talkies before participants arrive.
For catering, count every registered participant, official and volunteer, then add 5–10% extra servings. Reusable cups, plates, cutlery and coffee cups should be checked against the expected guest count.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a swim relay?: You need relay batons, competition goggles, stopwatches, whistles, bib numbers and, where applicable, starting blocks and field lines. Also prepare safety items such as life rings, rescue lines and non-slip mats before the first heat.
How many relay batons do I need?: Use one baton per active relay lane and keep at least one spare. For example, a six-lane relay needs 7 batons if you want one replacement available.
How much catering should I buy for a swim relay?: Plan one serving per registered swimmer, official and volunteer, then add 5–10% extra. Check dietary requirements before shopping and make sure you have enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the full service period.
When should I check the swim relay shopping list?: Do a full equipment check at least 7 days before the event and shop no later than 2–3 days beforehand. Test electrical items and confirm safety equipment again when the pool setup begins.

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