This summer has been all about goggles, sunscreen, and cheering from the sidelines—and I’m not mad about it.
Our son Tobias officially joined the local swim team and loves every second of the action. His little sister Hailey has jumped in on the fun too (literally), though she’s sticking to summer swim for now.
Practices are intense, meets start way too early, and I’ve never packed so many snacks in my life — but watching him swim his heart out makes every chaotic moment worth it.
Between early mornings, poolside downtime, and post-race hangouts, we’ve found a few things that we reach for again and again. If you’re spending your summer poolside, chasing kids, or just trying to beat the heat, here are our go-to MVPs that keep things cool, calm, and (mostly) collected.
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Our Summer Survival Essentials
1. Yeti Cooler
This thing comes everywhere with us. It keeps snacks cold during long swim meets, is indestructible, and doesn’t leak. It’s worth every penny!
2. Rechargeable Fan – Indoor/Outdoor Approved
This is hands-down one of our favorite summer buys. It’s rechargeable, quiet, and works just as well inside during late-night cooling as it does poolside during a scorching swim meet. It has multiple speed settings, a built-in hook for hanging, and even stands up independently. It’s a total game-changer when you’re baking under a pop-up tent with no breeze in sight.
3. Compact Camp Chairs
Lightweight, sturdy, and easy to carry even with a bag full of wet towels and goggles. I personally love the rocking feature of this chair!
4. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Tobias likes to listen to music to calm his nerves before he races. These block out the chaos and help him focus. At some meets there are hundreds of people, so these really help!
5. Card Games
Our go-to entertainment between events or while waiting for siblings. Bonus: no screens! Here are some of our favorites that are great for all ages
6. Refillable Water Bottles (Insulated)
We each have one. Hydration is key, especially when you’re sweating in the sun for hours.
7. Sunscreen Stick
Not all meets are outside, but this is my go-to Sunscreen Stick during the summer meets! My kiddos both have sensitive skin, and Sun Bum has been the best for them!
8. Portable Charger
Swim meets = long days = dead phones and tablets. Keep your devices powered and your playlists going. I won’t lie, but this little charger holds a significant punch! It has kept our fans, tablets, and phones all charged for the long day! Plus, its slim design makes it easy to store in my bag of swim meet must-haves.
Final Thoughts
Watching both kids grow in confidence and strength has been one of my favorite parts of summer. And while the early mornings aren’t always fun, these little tools have made our chaotic, chlorine-filled days a lot smoother.
If you’re a swim parent (or just a summer-loving family), I hope this roundup gives you a few ideas to keep your crew comfortable and prepared.
☀️ Got a go-to swim product I need to try? Drop it in the comments or DM me—I’m always looking for new favorites!
Pressed For Time 