What you need for a swimming competition

A swimming competition needs more than swimmers, lanes and a programme. You will need timing equipment, official and safety supplies, communication tools, printed lists, refreshments and a practical setup for officials and volunteers. Check what the pool already provides before buying anything, especially starting blocks, lane equipment and electronic timing. Use the participant count to set quantities for cups, water, printed documents and catering supplies, then test and charge equipment before competition day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Field linesqty 6
Starting blocksqty 6
Backstroke flagsqty 2
Competition whistlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 8
Starter pistol
Rescue buoysqty 2
Pool thermometersqty 2
Bib numbersqty 180
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Medalsqty 30
Cup prizesqty 6
Jury clock
Judging padsqty 30
Judges' ballpoint pensqty 40
Clipboardsqty 12
Judging vestsqty 12

Equipment

Electronic timing
Laptopqty 2
Printersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
PA system
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 30
Jury tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Reusable platesqty 250
Reusable cutleryqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Water jugsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Catering

Cool bagsqty 12
Coffee filtersqty 100
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 18 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- White rolls - 180 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Allergen labels - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Rubber gloves - 4 boxes
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Cleaning

Mopsqty 6
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 6

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Directional arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 8

Tips

Plan one reusable cup per participant, official and volunteer, plus at least 10% extra. Provide water jugs and coolers at a clearly marked refreshment point so swimmers are not relying on disposable bottles.
Allow one printed starting list and programme for each official, team representative and registration desk, with 10% extra copies. Print the participant list separately so the desk can check arrivals without handling the full programme.
Check the pool’s equipment list at least 14 days before the competition. Confirm whether field lines, starting blocks, backstroke flags, whistles and rescue buoys are included or must be supplied separately.
Provide one walkie-talkie for each key operating point, such as the starter, referee, pool deck and registration desk, and charge every unit the day before. Test the PA system, laptop, printers and electronic timing together before officials arrive.
Set up tables, chairs, jury tables, waste bins and clothes racks at least 60 minutes before the first heat. Keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas, and bring cutting boards, serving spoons and coffee equipment if refreshments are prepared on site.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a swimming competition?: You typically need timing equipment, stopwatches, competition whistles, starting blocks, backstroke flags, rescue buoys, pool thermometers and communication equipment. Confirm the pool’s inventory at least 14 days beforehand so missing items can still be sourced.
How many cups and plates do I need for a swimming competition?: Plan one reusable cup per person, plus 10% extra for replacements and late arrivals. For plates and cutlery, allow one set per expected catering guest and keep an additional 10% available.
How many printed programmes and starting lists should I prepare?: Print one copy for every official, volunteer at the results or registration desk, and team representative who needs one. Add 10% extra copies and finish printing at least one day before the competition.
When should I test electronic timing and charge walkie-talkies?: Test electronic timing with the laptop and printers at least one day before the event, then repeat a short check before the first heat. Charge all walkie-talkies the day before and keep them on charge until setup begins.

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