Your coach will usually want your swimmer on deck, suited up, and ready to swim at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of warm-ups. Arriving even earlier allows your swimmer time to find the change room, get dressed, and locate their coach, helping them feel calm and prepared. Additionally, some pools have limited deck space for seating, so arriving early can make things much easier.

Most pools are hot, though some are well ventilated. Bring clean sandals if you prefer not to go barefoot. Your swimmer will also need warm clothing between races, such as a hoodie and sweatpants.  

The heat sheet shows the order of races and which heat and lane your swimmer will be in. It also helps parents keep track of the meet’s progress and gives you something to do while waiting. Heat sheets typically cost $2–$5 (cash only; change is appreciated).

Alternatively, you can use the paid app Meet Mobile to view your swimmer’s events. Keep in mind that the app may not always be up to date, so it’s best to double-check your information with the physical heat sheet.

Bring a sharpie and a pen, pencil or highlighter.

Use the heat sheets to locate your swimmer’s races, then write this information on their arm with a Sharpie. This helps your swimmer get to the right place at the right time. Other parents are usually available to help if needed.  It looks something like this: 

Jamboree meets typically include marshalling. This is where your swimmer goes before their race. Adults will usually organize swimmers into heats and lanes, often on benches or chairs. Your swimmer should follow the instructions of the adults until they reach the area behind the starting blocks for their race.

Make sure your swimmer talks with their coach before and after each race. Before the race, the coach will provide helpful tips to keep in mind while swimming. After the race, the coach will offer positive feedback and additional pointers for improvement.

• Money for heat sheets
• Snacks for your swimmer and yourself
• Water for both you and your swimmer
• A Sharpie, highlighter, and pen or pencil
• An extra towel and warm, dry clothes for your swimmer to wear home (their between-race clothes will likely be wet)
• A lawn chair—some pools have bleachers for parents, while others don’t, so having a chair in your car is a good idea