What you need for a swimming competition

A swimming competition needs more than lanes, swimmers and a stopwatch. You will need equipment for starts, turns, safety and officiating, plus refreshments, printed paperwork and awards for the finish. Plan quantities around the number of swimmers, officials and spectators, and check what the pool already provides before buying anything. This list helps you spot easy-to-miss items such as spare goggles, power strips, participant badges and medal holders.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tableclothqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Stopwatchqty 8
Megaphone

Sports equipment

Field linesqty 6
Starting blocksqty 6
Turning point flagsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Stretch matsqty 12
Kickboardsqty 12
Spare swim gogglesqty 10
Swim capsqty 120
Whistlesqty 6
Life ringsqty 2
Pool thermometersqty 2
Start signal
Medal holdersqty 6
Medalsqty 60
Cupsqty 12
Reusable cupsqty 3
Stage blocksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving traysqty 4
Kitchen towelsqty 8

Decorations

Start number signsqty 120
Name badgesqty 140
Directional signsqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Buntingqty 8
Adhesive tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 6
First aid kitqty 2
Disposable glovesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Nut-free cookies - 60 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls

Tips

Count swimmers, officials and spectators separately before ordering food and drinks. This gives you a reliable catering total and helps you fill coolers without running short during the event.
Check the pool’s equipment at least 7 days before the competition. Confirm whether starting blocks, turning-point flags, lane equipment, life rings and pool thermometers are already available.
Prepare one printed pack for each key role, including start lists, competition forms and rules. Print the final start lists after registration closes, then keep spare copies for last-minute changes.
Bring at least two timing options and test them before the first heat. Keep stopwatches, the start signal, whistles, a microphone or megaphone, and walkie-talkies together so officials can reach each other quickly.
Order medals, prizes, swim caps, badges and bib numbers by the supplier’s stated lead time, preferably 2–3 weeks before race day. Sort awards by age group and event before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a swimming competition?: Plan equipment for starts, turns, timing, communication and safety: starting blocks, turning-point flags, stopwatches, a start signal, whistles, walkie-talkies and life rings. Also check whether the pool supplies lane equipment and timing gear at least 7 days in advance.
How many spare swimming goggles should I buy?: Allow at least 1 spare pair for every 10 swimmers, with a minimum of 3 pairs for a small competition. Keep them at the registration or officials’ table so a broken or forgotten pair can be replaced quickly.
How many reusable cups do I need for a swimming competition?: Provide at least 1 reusable cup per expected participant, official and volunteer, plus 10% extra. For 100 people, prepare 110 cups and arrange a clearly marked refill point before the first race.
When should I order medals and competition supplies?: Order medals, prizes, swim caps, bib numbers and printed materials 2–3 weeks before race day. Finalise quantities after registration closes, and check deliveries at least 3 days before the competition.

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