Swim Meet 101

New to summer swim? We’ve got you.

Swim meets are the heart of the season - full of energy, teamwork, and a little bit of organized chaos. Here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared and enjoy the experience.

What Is a Swim Meet?

A swim meet is a friendly competition between two teams where swimmers race in different events based on age group and stroke. Meets are held on Wednesday nights through the season, and include freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley (IM), and relays.

Before the Meet

Sign up your swimmer: Make sure you’ve signed up in advance so coaches can plan events.
Arrive early: Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before warm-ups begin.
Check in: Let coaches know you’re there, and be ready for warm-ups and the team meeting.
Come prepared: Bring a suit, goggles, cap, towels, sunscreen, water, and snacks.

Warm-Ups

Each team gets time in the pool before the meet starts. This helps swimmers loosen up and get comfortable. Coaches will guide swimmers through warm-ups - just be sure they’re ready when it’s time to get in the water.

How Events Work

Swimmers are placed into events by coaches.
Events are organized by age group and stroke.
Each swimmer will be assigned a heat (their race) and a lane.

Clerk of Course

This is where swimmers go before their race. Volunteers will help line swimmers up in the correct order and get them to the blocks on time. It’s important for swimmers to listen for their event and head over promptly.