It’s a good idea to pick a bag that’s waterproof or easily washed in case it gets wet or dirty.
For example, if you’re going to a swim meet, a one-piece bathing suit will work well, while a two-piece bathing suit is great for lounging by the pool or at the beach.
Pick out clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Place your cell phone in a plastic bag as well to keep it dry if it doesn’t already have a waterproof case. Stash your valuables in a locker if one is available. If there isn’t a safe spot to keep your things, hide them under a towel or at the very bottom of your bag.
Bug spray is another good thing to have on-hand if you’ll be in a buggy area. Remember to wait for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before getting in the water if you’re swimming outside.
Towels designed specifically for the beach or pool are better at withstanding sand and sun.
A baseball cap, sun hat, or bucket hat are all great options for keeping the sun off your face and neck.
You can purchase goggles or swim caps at your local big box store, sports equipment store, or online.
You can also bring other drinks like lemonade or juice boxes. Bring at least two bottles of water with you if you’ll be swimming for several hours.
Check to make sure wherever you’re going allows food. Snacks like trail mix, granola bars, berries, or bananas are great snacks to bring with you. Peanut butter or cheese crackers and popcorn are also good food options.
Pack your change of clothes in a separate plastic bag that you place inside your large bag to be sure they don’t get wet or dirty.
Use small travel size bottles of shampoo and soap to make carrying them easier.
A comb works best on wet hair, though a regular brush will work too.
Close the bag containing any wet things so that it doesn’t get the rest of your belongings wet.
If you don’t want to use a full-size towel, consider just bringing a smaller towel for your hair.
Bring a small bottle of lotion to put on your legs or arms if they’re feeling dried out. Lip balm is useful if your lips are feeling chapped from the sun. Pack makeup or makeup wipes to use before or after swimming if desired.
Choose dive sticks that are shaped like thick markers with a weight that pulls them to the bottom of the pool. If you don’t want to buy dive toys, throw pennies into the bottom of the pool to try to retrieve. Make sure you’re allowed to use dive toys at the pool where you’re swimming.
While hopefully it won’t happen, it’s possible that your books might get wet being next to the pool, so bring ones that you don’t mind getting splashed on a little. You might bring a journal and pen to write instead of reading.
Bring headphones to listen to music while you lay by a public pool, or bring a small speaker to listen to music at the beach. Be aware of others around you and don’t play music loudly if you’re in a public place.
Some public pools don’t allow floats, so be sure to ask before bringing one. Floats can be dangerous to use in the ocean or lake if the water is rough, so use caution.
Avoid bringing more than one or two activities, as having extra things in your bag will weigh it down. Remember to only bring games or toys that are okay to use in or around water.
Things you won’t need until the end, like your change of clothes, can be packed at the bottom of the bag. Lay all of your items out before packing them so you can arrange them in the right order in your bag.
