If you have gym class earlier in the day, consider wearing your swimsuit under your clothes so you don’t have to change when you get to the locker room. If you’re a girl, consider tightly braiding your hair in the morning. No guarantees, but it may keep your hair dry. Avoid wearing tight clothes such as skinny jeans, since these are harder to put on after getting out of the pool. Always lock your belongings in a locker with a combination lock. Practice using the lock until you can confidently open it without looking at the code.
For girls, it is recommended that you choose a one-piece swimsuit that you feel comfortable in and that lets you move freely in the pool. For boys, you’ll need a pair of comfortable swim trunks. Avoid any that impair your movement or are excessively baggy. Consult your instructor and make sure that your planned attire follows any regulations in place.
When you wear your goggles, make sure that they’re not too tight across the nose. [2] X Research source Goggles should be snug around your eyes, and not let water seep in, but they shouldn’t be uncomfortably tight.
Large plastic bag for your wet swimsuit. Shampoo and conditioner (for girls, or boys with longer hair). A hairbrush/wide toothed comb (for people with long hair). Body wash (Chlorine will dry out your skin unless you wash it off). Deodorant and/or body spray. Large beach towel. Makeup (if you plan to apply it after gym class). Flip-flops to wear on the pool deck.
The adhesive on most types of pads isn’t waterproof, so they may come off in the pool, and are generally less effective in water than tampons anyway. Many young women start wearing tampons (rather than pads) for the first time during a gym swimming unit. If you’re in this situation, it’s completely normal and nothing to feel worried or anxious about.
Make sure that the bag zips shut and has a flat bottom so your clothes won’t get wrinkled. In addition, you may want to look for a waterproof bag, in case pool water gets splashed on it. Consider investing in a combination lock if you haven’t already.
Use this to your advantage; if you know that others are uncomfortable as well, you don’t need to feel self-conscious or awkward. You’re not alone!
Locker rooms showers are seldom a single large, open space. You can often find a private shower cell, in which you can shower, towel off, and change your clothes, if you’re uncomfortable changing in front of others. If there aren’t separate shower cells for you to change in, you can change your underwear with your towel still wrapped around your waist. Be discreet when undressing or showering around your peers. Don’t linger or stare at anyone’s body—this rule applies when your peers are wearing their swimsuits, too. Treat your peers with the same discretion that you’d like them to treat you with.
Be considerate of your classmates. High-school especially is a time where many people are self-conscious, and standing around in tight, revealing clothing really doesn’t help. Don’t berate or belittle anyone.
Be encouraging to your peers; cheer each other on in the pool. Say something like, “You’ve really come along way this month; you seem like you’re having fun in the water!”
Even if you can’t swim, try your best. Most teachers can recognize when someone is trying and will give you a good grade for effort.
Even if you’re not a competitive swimmer and have no plans to become one, you should still obey the coach. He or she can lend a fun sense of community to the class, and swimming is a great way to stay in shape.
Focus on learning new strokes and improving your time; tune out distractions. Take your training—even if it’s not at your normal swim club—as seriously as possible.
