If you’re new to swimming, you might be unsure about what swim equipment and accessories your kids need. What’s it for? Which kind to buy? What’s the best way to use it? You can always ask a coach or veteran parent for advice and recommendations, but here's some general information and tips.

GOGGLES
What they’re for: Keeping water out of the eyes
How to use them: The straps should go directly around the head in line with the eye area. Don’t pull the straps down around the base of the scull, have them too high, or put them over the ears.
How to choose them: They need to fit the swimmer’s face. Ensure they feel suction around the eyes when the goggles are pressed to the eye sockets. Leave them on for a minute and turn from side to side, make sure there is no air moving into the goggles -- in the pool this will be water coming in! Goggles that have an adjustable nosepiece are helpful for correct fit. Mirrored lenses block the sun’s glare, which might be helpful for outdoor swimming.

SWIM CAP
What it’s for: To keep hair out of the eyes and face and to make the swimmer more streamlined. Every Dolphin swimmer will be given a team swim cap, and coaches ask that swimmers wear them for meets.
How to use it: Hold the center fold of the cap in the middle of the forehead and pull the cap from the front of the head to the back. Swimmers with long hair should put it in a low ponytail first, and then wind their hair into a bun and tuck it into the cap, keeping the bulk of their hair closer to the base of the head rather than the top.

SWIMSUIT
Practice suit: Any swimsuit that can comfortably be worn for lap swimming and diving.
Meet suit: The team suit or a royal blue suit is preferred (but not required). For boys, these are typically “jammers”. For girls, athletic suits come in a variety of styles. Pick one that is most comfortable for your swimmer.

TEAM SHIRT
What it’s for: Every Dolphin swimmer receives a team shirt with registration. Wearing this at meets, helps build team spirit and identify swimmers as belonging to Hanarry West

SUNSCREEN
What it’s for: When doing laps, swim shirts can be heavy and restrictive. Sun protection is essential, but for 30 minutes to 1 hour of lap swimming sunscreen is the best choice.How to use it: Apply 30 mins before getting in so it doesn’t immediately wash off.