What you need for a swim route

A swim route needs more than buoys and a stopwatch. You will need clear route markers, visible safety equipment, communication tools, and a practical setup for registration, refreshments, and volunteers. The shopping list covers the equipment used at the start and finish area, along the route, and at emergency points. Check participant numbers before buying consumables, and allow time for delivery of safety and event equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 20

Sports equipment

Route buoysqty 30
Life ringsqty 6
Throw linesqty 4
Whistlesqty 12
Bib numbersqty 120
Start number bandsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Thermal blanketsqty 30
Reflective vestsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 8

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Digital clocksqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED construction lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water containersqty 4

Decorations

Route signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Lemon sports drink - 60 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Hot chocolate - 6 liters
- Coffee cups - 150 pieces
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Tomato soup - 15 liters
- Vegetable stock - 10 liters
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Tissues - 12 boxes

Tips

Plan one clearly visible route marker for every turn, crossing, or point where swimmers could lose the course. Order spare signs and buoys as well, because a missing marker can disrupt the whole route.
Give each safety or course volunteer a way to communicate, such as a walkie-talkie or whistle. Test the equipment at least one day before the swim and bring spare batteries if required.
Prepare one participant pack per registered swimmer, including the bib number and start number band. Print a small number of spare forms and numbers for late changes or damaged materials.
Provide drinking water at the start and finish area and keep chilled drinks in coolers until needed. For a one-hour activity, plan roughly 500–750 ml of water per participant, plus extra for volunteers.
Check lighting before setup if people arrive early, finish late, or use a shaded route. Test extension cords, power strips, and LED construction lights before the event rather than discovering a problem during arrival.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a swim route?: You need route buoys and signs, safety equipment such as life rings and throw lines, communication tools, timing equipment, and first aid supplies. Match the quantity to the number of route points, participants, and assigned volunteers.
How much water should I buy for a swim event?: Allow about 500–750 ml of drinking water per participant for a one-hour activity, then add water for volunteers and a reserve of at least 10%. Increase the amount in hot weather or when participants must wait before or after swimming.
How many safety volunteers do I need for a swim route?: Assign at least one responsible person to each key route point, plus a coordinator at the start and finish. Final numbers depend on the route, hazards, participant count, and local safety requirements, so confirm the plan before invitations go out.
When should I order swim route supplies?: Order specialist safety equipment, buoys, barriers, tents, and lighting at least 2–3 weeks before the event. Buy drinks and other short-life supplies during the final week, after checking the participant list and weather forecast.

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