What to Buy for a Swimming Competition

A swimming competition needs more than race equipment. You also need clearly marked lanes, timing materials, participant numbers, signs, drinks and a simple setup for judges and volunteers. Use this shopping list alongside the confirmed heats and lane layout so you know what must be ready on poolside. Check power, printing and charging needs before the event, and chill drinks early enough for the first races.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Folding tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 80
Swimming buoysqty 12
Swimming kickboardsqty 12
Pull buoysqty 12
Conesqty 20
Whistlesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 8
Measuring tape
Course signsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Printer
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water dispensersqty 2
Lemonade jugsqty 3
Medalsqty 30
Trophiesqty 6
Gift vouchersqty 6

Office

Clipboardsqty 10
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 10
Paperqty 500
Name stickersqty 100
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Elastic bandsqty 100

Safety

First aid kit
Disposable glovesqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 10
Warning signsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Floor squeegeeqty 2
Dishpanqty 2
Drying racksqty 2

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Chocolate milk - 4 cartons
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemon slices - 2 nets
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White buns - 80 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Low-fat margarine - 3 tubs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Ice packs - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one reusable cup per participant, judge and volunteer, plus extra cups for replacements. Use water dispensers for general hydration and keep chilled drinks in coolers near, but not on, the pool deck.
Prepare one bib number for every registered participant and print a small reserve set. Bring the race schedule, course signs and a megaphone so swimmers can find their heat without interrupting the judges.
Allow one stopwatch for each active timing position, plus at least one spare. Test every stopwatch, whistle, tablet and printer before leaving; a charging problem is difficult to fix once the races have started.
For a full-day competition, provide seating for judges, volunteers and waiting swimmers rather than only for spectators. Set aside tables for registration, refreshments and the awards ceremony, and bring waste bins for each busy area.
Check venue power at least one day before the competition. Pack extension cords, power strips and power banks together with the laptop, tablet and printer, and keep printed race schedules available in case the equipment fails.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a swimming competition?: Plan for race equipment, bib numbers, stopwatches, whistles, lane and course signs, tables, chairs, drinks and serving supplies. Add one set of printed schedules and participant numbers for every registered swimmer, with a small reserve.
How many drinks do I need for a swimming competition?: Allow roughly 1 to 1.5 litres of water per participant for a half-day event, and more in hot weather. Add drinks for judges and volunteers, then chill them at least 4 hours before the first race.
How many stopwatches are needed for a swim meet?: Use one stopwatch for each active timing position and keep at least one spare. For three timing positions, pack 4 stopwatches and test them the day before.
When should I prepare the swimming competition equipment?: Finish the equipment check at least 24 hours before the event. Print schedules, race numbers and course signs the day before, then bring all materials to the venue early enough for a 60-minute setup.

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