Kids need 2 towels. One to dry off with and one to sit on between events at meets.
My kids get chilly on Monday nights and early season meets. They have team hoodies, but also UV protecting quick dry hoodies from Primary that they wear between events. Kids also often have card games and fidgets on deck to entertain themselves.
If you kid doesn’t have a wallet or change purse, they may want one to buy food from the the snack bar at meets. Spectators are not allowed on deck and usually at least one parent is volunteering- your kid can’t come get you for hot dog money if you are timing.

A lot of kids just double up on towels to stay warm early in the season. A parka is a big investment for a kid who may not even like swim team

Anonymous wrote:Sunscreen! You will need lots of sunscreen

Yes, summer swim is lots of outdoor time at the pool, so stock up on sunscreen. If cold or rainy kids can use non-swim-specific clothes as needed. Have back-up caps and goggles.

At our pool, kids have fun with the different themes for different meets, so be ready to throw together some costumes if your kid is into that.

Swim bags are helpful. I'd also 2nd getting a parka if you are winter swimming but not if you are just summer swim. Terry cloth robes are nice (not the fuzzy fleece ones) but not necessary.

I would also not advise buying a swim parka for summer swim. My kid swims year round and we still don't have one! She has a heavyweight fleece snuggie-like thing for winter practice/meets, and in the summer she and her girlfriends bring fleece bathrobes (and/or hoodies) for between events if it's cold. Fleece bathrobes are $12 at Target and multi-purpose...even the very cheapest swim parka is like $50-60.

Sunscreen! You will need lots of sunscreen

You don’t need anything except a towel, goggles, suit and cap. Sometimes fins. No, you don’t need a swim backpack.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid ended up using her swim parka at early season meets last year. There was one that was particularly frigid with overcast skies, cold temps, a strong wind and a cold pool. It was nice to have something warm that was quick to put on and take off. Not required, but a really nice to have.

I would definitely not invest in a parka for summer swim. A hoodie and flannel pants will work just as well and be more versatile.

All you need are basics like water bottle, towel, suit, cap and goggles plus any additional items requested by your coach (ours wants a kickboard and fins, for example, but you can usually borrow the former at the pool). A bag that dries quickly and/or can be cleaned is useful for carting everything around. They sell mesh drawstring gear bags for $15-$20 IIRC that many swimmers like.

Sweats and pants get wet with one and offs and then the swimmer is cold. It was 60 degrees and windy with 64 degree water for that early meet. So so cold that morning, especially for my 50 lb 7 yo. The high school kids were okay, but the littles were blue and shaking. You might see if you can find a used parka at a swap or garage sale.

Agree with PP above. Water is still cold in June, especially early morning and from 8-10 PM for B meets.
We have swim parka for each kid to wear between heats.

https://www.swimoutlet.com/products/sporti-striped-comfort-fleece-lined-swim-parka-youth-8117651/?color=royalblueshellcharcoallining&view=ab23jun

Anonymous wrote:My kid ended up using her swim parka at early season meets last year. There was one that was particularly frigid with overcast skies, cold temps, a strong wind and a cold pool. It was nice to have something warm that was quick to put on and take off. Not required, but a really nice to have.

I would definitely not invest in a parka for summer swim. A hoodie and flannel pants will work just as well and be more versatile.

All you need are basics like water bottle, towel, suit, cap and goggles plus any additional items requested by your coach (ours wants a kickboard and fins, for example, but you can usually borrow the former at the pool). A bag that dries quickly and/or can be cleaned is useful for carting everything around. They sell mesh drawstring gear bags for $15-$20 IIRC that many swimmers like.

My kid ended up using her swim parka at early season meets last year. There was one that was particularly frigid with overcast skies, cold temps, a strong wind and a cold pool. It was nice to have something warm that was quick to put on and take off. Not required, but a really nice to have.

DCs only do summer swim team plus year round weekend family swim practice, we use reusable shopping bag since it won’t get moldy or smelly and no need to worry about drying etc, can just wipe with paper towel then it’s dry. When it rain badly at outdoor pool during summer I put everything inside clean big trash bag so nothing gets wet. Friend’s DC does year round swim team has swim backpack and it’s nice too, if your DC really wants one.

Anonymous wrote:New to swim team (NVSL) this year…tell me what gear we need! I’m specifically looking for advice on things that are less obvious - I know about the suits, caps and fins but what type of bags, towels, or coverups are useful if any, for meets. Do we need one of those swim backpacks?

You probably don't even need fins for summer league, unless your team specifies them. Swim backpacks tend to be made of mesh or at least have mesh pockets, which is nice for stuff that needs to dry (caps, goggles, etc.) but certainly not 'essential' for the summer, any quick-drying tote bag will do. You'll probably want at least one camp chair for holding your child's stuff at meets, since most team areas are on grass and/or don't have much pool furniture, and possibly more for any spectating family members.

For summer swim pretty much all you need is a suit, cap, goggles, and towel. No need for a swim backpack at this point. Meets are usually so warm that kids run around in bathing suits the whole time, at least, my kids and their teammates do!

New to swim team (NVSL) this year…tell me what gear we need! I’m specifically looking for advice on things that are less obvious - I know about the suits, caps and fins but what type of bags, towels, or coverups are useful if any, for meets. Do we need one of those swim backpacks?