Congratulations! You have taken the first step in learning how to swim. You have packed a bathing suit, a towel, and some flip-flops in a backpack. Unfortunately, that will not end up working out very well. There are other essentials that should be added to your swim bag to ensure that you are prepared for your class. Before we get into what your swim class bag should contain, let’s go into picking out a swim bag.

What to Look for in a Swim Bag:

Your local swim center may have swim bags for sale that they recommend as the best options for avid swim students. If not, they will definitely be able to point you in the right direction of what to purchase. Swim bags can vary in several ways and the top features to consider when choosing a bag are:

‌Size: How much room will you need in the bag? Will you be coming from your home or from work? You will need a large enough bag to hold all your clothes, purse or wallet, swim towel, shower towel, goggles, nose guard, ear plugs, and floats. Often swim fins are used by your instructor in class. Before picking out your bag, be sure to speak to your instructor about their recommendations
Waterproof: Inside and out waterproofing is necessary for a good swim bag. Often the bag will be set down in a damp or wet area where water penetration may do permanent damage to your cell phone, shoes, or clothes. An inside waterproof compartment for the wet bathing suit and swim towel is an absolute necessity.

What to Pack in your Swim Bag

Swim Towel: These small swim towels remove excess water from the swimmer like a sponge and wring dry by hand. This handy towel is a must have in your swim bag.
Swim Cap: Chlorinated water can damage hair and long hair gets in the swimmer’s face while they are practicing. Not to mention it can clog the filter system too!
Goggles: Goggles protect water from entering your eyes, and allows you to see clearly while under water. Find a comfortable pair that works for you.
Flippers: This training aid is a great addition to swim bags as the student becomes more advanced. There are many types of fins that swimmers can choose from, each one serving its own training purpose.
Flip-Flops: Not only for walking safely around the pool area and in the shower area, flip flops are a great option for keeping your body sanitary as well.

Whether you are taking adult swimming lessons or starting your child in infant swim lessons to protect them from accidental drowning, you are making the right decision. Your swim instructor can answer all your questions about programs and materials that need to be included in your swim bag. Choose the swim bag that fits your needs, and fill it with all your gear.

What Your Swim Class Bag Should Contain