Swimming Essentials for Kids: What to Pack for Swimming Lessons

Starting swimming classes can be an exciting milestone for kids, as it can help kids develop safety skills and foster their love for aquatic activities. To get them on the right track for their first swim lessons, proper preparation is key.

As parents, your guidance is vital in fostering their confidence for this new experience.

Before the Lesson: Prepare Your Child Mentally & Emotionally

In some cases, new environments can be intimidating for kids. Some may find it difficult to adjust to the sensory experience of the water, while others may feel nervous about its vastness. That’s why, besides preparing their swimming essentials, preparing them emotionally and mentally can be important, too. These are some of the ways to do so:

Familiarise Them with the Pool Environment

Visiting the swimming complex where the classes will be held beforehand is a great way to help your child with the new surroundings. This could aid in making the environment feel more familiar and less intimidating when lessons begin.

During your early visit, consider walking around the facility with your child, pointing out the teaching pool and the changing rooms, and maybe even watching another swimming lesson from a distance, if permitted. Getting kids familiar with the location helps make it seem less overwhelming and more like a place for fun.

Talk Positively About Swimming

How you talk about swimming classes can also make a big difference in shaping your child’s attitude towards the water and their lessons. By framing it as a fun adventure and highlighting the new skills kids can acquire, they’ll be more receptive to instructions and more excited to dive into the new experience.

When discussing your child’s first swimming lessons, it’s essential to keep the conversation light, encouraging and focused on the positives to build excitement and ease nerves. Here’s how:

• Frame it as fun: Talk about swimming lessons as an exciting adventure instead of something overwhelming for your kid.
• Highlight enjoyable parts: Mention the fun they’ll have, splashing, kicking, playing games, and making new friends.
• Focus on new skills: Excite them about the cool things they'll learn. Use simple, positive examples like "You'll learn how to float like a starfish!" or "Soon you'll be strong enough to kick across the pool!"
• Manage your feelings: Try not to let any personal worries you might have about the water show. Your calm and positive attitude is contagious!
• Explain what to expect simply: Briefly tell them the basics so it feels less unknown: "You'll meet your coach, be with other kids, and learn some fun new things in the water together."

Check the Swim School’s Dress Code

Most swim schools, including The Swim Starter, have guidelines on appropriate swimwear, usually focused on ensuring safety and freedom of movement. This generally means avoiding baggy shorts or casual wear that might weigh your kids down in the swimming pool. Specific requirements, such as swim caps, especially for children with longer hair, must also be observed.

Knowing the dress code beforehand avoids any last-minute surprises or the need to buy something urgently.

What to Pack – The Essential Swim Lesson Checklist

Once the pre-lesson preparation is done, it’s time to talk about the swimming essentials. Knowing what you need for swimming lessons ensures your kid is comfortable, safe, and ready to learn.

Here’s a checklist covering what you need for swimming classes:

1. Swimsuit

The right fit is essential for kids’ swimsuits, as a properly fitting one ensures your child’s comfort while allowing them to move freely and confidently in the water. If their swimsuit is too loose, it can fill with water, become heavy, and hinder movement. On the other hand, a swimsuit that's too tight can be uncomfortable and restrictive.

When choosing your child's swimsuit, select a snug-fitting, comfortable swimsuit made from chlorine-resistant material. For girls, a one-piece is often practical. For boys, fitted trunks or jammers are better than baggy board shorts. Always remember that comfort equals confidence in the water.

2. Goggles & Swim Cap

Two other essentials for your child’s swimming class are goggles and a swim cap. Goggles protect kids’ eyes from chlorine and allow them to see clearly, which is vital for learning techniques and building confidence, especially when submerging their faces under the water. Ensure they fit snugly and are not too tight.

A swim cap is another key item, especially for kids with medium to long hair. It keeps hair out of their face, reduces drag, and helps keep goggles in place. If a cap is a struggle, hairbands or ties are a must-have for long hair.

3. Towel

Pack a soft, absorbent towel – maybe even two! One large towel is for drying off thoroughly after the shower, and a smaller one is for poolside or hair drying. You can also consider getting a hooded towel as an extra cosy wrap for younger children.

The towel can also be used to stay warm immediately after exiting the pool and drying feet properly before walking to prevent slips on wet surfaces.

4. Water Bottle

Kids can get dehydrated even while swimming. Therefore, pack a reusable water bottle filled with drinking water. Also, encourage your child to take sips before and after class to stay hydrated, especially in Singapore's warm climate.

5. Shower Supplies

Rinsing off chlorine after swimming is essential for skin and hair health. Pack travel-sized bottles of:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner (helps with detangling hair)
• Body wash
• Moisturiser (as chlorine can dry out the skin)

Bonus Tip: A wide-toothed comb or detangling brush is a lifesaver for tackling post-swim knots!

6. Snacks

Swimming burns a lot of energy! As such, pack a healthy, easy-to-eat snack to refuel your little swimmer after the lesson. Good options include fruit (like bananas or apple slices), yoghurt tubes, a small sandwich, crackers, or a granola bar.

However, be mindful of pool rules. If food is only allowed in designated areas, remind them to consume it in these areas and not right by the poolside.

7. Flip-flops or Water Shoes

Pool decks are often slippery, and changing rooms see a lot of foot traffic, especially when swimming classes are finished. For safety and hygiene reasons, bringing flip-flops or water shoes for your kids is essential.

8. Gym Bag

Keep all these essentials for swimming organised in one place. A waterproof or water-resistant gym bag, backpack, or tote bag is ideal. Look for one with separate compartments, perhaps one for wet items and another for dry clothes. Make sure it's a size your child can potentially help carry as they get older.

9. Change of Clothes

Always pack a complete change of clothes to avoid the discomfort of sitting in a wet swimsuit and help kids feel properly refreshed after their swimming classes. Having dry, comfortable items waiting, including underwear and socks, means they can leave their post-swim shower feeling clean, warm, and ready for the rest of their day or the journey home.

10. Extra Waterproof Bags

Waterproof bags, like zip-lock bags or reusable waterproof pouches, are essential, especially once your kids are done with their swimming classes. They help isolate wet swimsuits, towels, and swim caps from your child's dry items. These bags prevent drips and ensure the rest of the contents in your kids' swim bag stay completely dry and clean.

Involve Your Child in the Process

Packing the swim bag doesn't have to be solely a parent's task. Involving your child can be a fantastic way to build excitement and responsibility. Let them help choose which swimsuit or towel to bring. Go through the checklist together, letting them place items in the bag. This exercise gives them a sense of ownership and understanding of what they need for their swimming lesson. Knowing they have everything prepared can boost their confidence and reduce pre-class jitters. It turns preparation into part of the fun!

Ready for Splash Success with The Swim Starter!

Preparing for your kid’s swimming lesson doesn't need to be stressful. By taking a few moments to prepare them mentally and packing the right swimming essentials, you set a positive and organised tone for their aquatic journey. Knowing what to pack for swimming lessons frees you up to focus on encouraging your child and celebrating their progress. Remember, every lesson is a step towards greater confidence, vital safety skills, and endless fun in the water.

Interested in having your child learn how to swim?

The Swim Starter’s swimming classes focus on building water confidence and essential survival skills through engaging, fun-first lessons. We offer various options, including swimming classes for kids at convenient locations, including Bishan, Clementi, Sengkang, and Pasir Ris. If you're looking for Bishan swimming lessons or classes elsewhere in Singapore, check out our group swimming lessons for kids and see how we can help your child become a happy, confident swimmer! We can't wait to welcome you to The Swim Starter family.