Back-to-School Swim Ready: The Ultimate Survival & Gear Checklist

The new school term is coming, the uniform needs labelling, the shoes have mysteriously disappeared and somehow the swimming kit has become your problem too.

Before the first lesson arrives, take 10 minutes to check your child’s swim gear. Getting organised now could save you a very unnecessary 8:00 PM panic when you discover their goggles have snapped and last term’s swimsuit no longer fits.

First, raid the old swimming bag

Before buying everything new, give last term’s kit a quick MOT.

Swimwear: Check for faded fabric, stretched seams, thinning or see-through patches and signs that chlorine has taken its toll. Most importantly, check the fit. Children grow quickly, and swimwear that fitted perfectly in spring may now be decidedly less comfortable.

Goggles: Look closely at the seals and straps. Cracks, cloudy lenses, damaged straps or a seal that no longer creates proper suction are all signs that it is time for a replacement.

Bag: Check inside and out for mildew, broken zips and missing name tags. A mesh kit bag that allows wet equipment to breathe can help prevent that familiar damp-swim-kit smell.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/swimming-bags

Your back-to-school swim essentials

If your existing kit has seen better days, here is what to put on your shopping list:

• Chlorine-resistant swimwear: Look for durable fabrics designed to withstand regular swimming lessons.
• Well-fitting goggles: A good seal around the eyes should keep water out without being painfully tight.
• Microfibre towel: Lightweight, compact and highly absorbent, making it ideal for busy school bags.
• Swim cap: Check whether your child’s school or swimming venue requires one.
• Mesh kit bag: Handy for keeping wet swimwear and accessories together while allowing damp equipment to dry.

And don’t forget the little things that have a habit of disappearing: hair ties, nose clips if needed and, of course, a clearly labelled bag.

https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/childrens-goggles

Left it until the last minute?

We’ve all been there.

If the first swimming lesson is tomorrow and your child has suddenly developed a serious case of "I don't have any goggles", don’t panic.

Pop into the Simply Swim store in Reading, where you can try swimwear and goggles on for the right fit and get practical advice from our in-store team. It is a much calmer way to get everything sorted than frantically searching the house for a swimsuit at bedtime.

Get swim-ready before the school rush

A quick gear check now means one less thing to worry about when the new term gets busy.

Shop online early for all your swimming essentials, or visit our Reading store and let our team help you get sorted.

A few minutes of preparation now could make that first swimming lesson considerably easier for everyone.