Swimming Essentials: 17 Crucial Things to Pack in Your Swimming Bag
Planning to go swimming either at the pool or at the beach? Here are the useful swimming essentials that should be in your swim bag.
I don’t know about you but with the sun out, all I can think about is taking a dive in the water to cool off this summer heat!
I mean what could be better than making some splashes either in the pool or at the beach as you thank the heavens for the perfect weather?
But as you plan to go swimming, there are some useful swimming essentials you shouldn’t leave behind if you want to have a fun day!
So to make sure that you don’t forget a thing, I am sharing with you the swimming bag essentials you shouldn’t leave behind! Whether it’s swimming in the pool or at the beach, here are the must-have swim essentials!
Psst… If you’re planning to spend the day at the beach, then you can check out my complete packing list for the beach. You can also check out my favorite summer dresses to draw inspiration on what to wear to the pool/beach.
Swimming Essentials to Pack in Your Swim Bag

First of all, before looking at what to take swimming, you need to have a bag to put all your essentials in. You can take any bag at your disposal but just make sure that it’s big enough to fill all your day’s essentials.
If you don’t have one, then you can check out my favorite swim bag to take to both the swimming pool and the beach.
Now that you have a cute pool/beach bag, let’s look at the swimming items you’ll need to pack in it.
Clothes to Pack in Your Swimming Bag
Below are the clothes that should never miss in your swimming bag.
Swimsuit/Bikini
There is no way you can go swimming without a swimsuit/bikini. So before you even think of all the other swimming accessories, a swimsuit should be in your bag already.
You can choose the type of swimsuit that works for your body but if you need a few recommendations, I personally like this 2 piece bikini and every time I want to switch to a one-piece swimsuit, this is the one I always go with.
For the guys, you can choose between this pair of swim shorts or this one! Both of them look great!
Pro tip* I always take an extra pair of swimsuits should I need to change it for whatever reason.
Beach Cover-up
I never leave a beach cover-up when I go swimming as it can be useful when you want to take a stroll around the beach or pool without necessarily walking in the bikini.
I love this beach cover-up as it’s cute, stylish, and chic.
Related post: Best tips for a perfect beach getaway
Towel
Forgetting a towel when you go swimming will be a huge mistake as you’ll need to dry yourself afterward.
You can take any towel but I always prefer this micro-fiber travel towel especially when I am traveling as it’s very absorbent, dries fast and it’s not too big to take up the entire space in the swim bag.
Swim Cap
If you love swimming without the distraction that comes from hair, then you can consider taking a swim cap. But I also understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
So if it’s not your thing, you can leave it behind but if you love them or just want to give them a try, then you’ll be glad you bought this swim cap and if you have long dreadlocks or braids, you’ll love this one instead.
What to Bring to the Pool / Beach: Sun Protection Essentials
Sunscreen
Sunscreen has to be the most important item to take swimming! Lounging on the pool/beach under the sun might be fun and all but try getting burnt and you might just regret all that sunbathing time.
But the good news is that you can avoid that by adding sunscreen to your swimming pool checklist.
However, don’t just take any sunscreen, take one like this that has an SPF of 50+ if you want a good tan instead of a burn.
Sunglasses
Another thing that will protect you from the sun while enjoying the cool breeze of the water are sunglasses.
You can either choose between these cute and stylish polarised sunglasses or these vintage designer ones but regardless of what you choose, make sure that you don’t forget them!
Sun Hat
Who doesn’t want to rock a sunhat during the summer? I mean on top of looking cool, you’ll also protect yourself from the direct sun which can be damaging to the skin.
But don’t just take any sun hat, take one like this that has a wide brim to help keep your entire head and neck protected.
Related post: What to Pack for a Road Trip
Swimming Accessories to Pack in Your Swim Bag
Dry bag
A dry bag is one of those useful swimming essentials you shouldn’t leave behind! After a good day at the pool or at the beach, you don’t want to mix your wet bikini and towel with the other dry stuff and that’s where a dry bag like this one comes in handy.
I know most people attempt to use a plastic bag but everything will drip so you’re better off buying this waterproof dry bag that won’t drip at all.
Waterproof Phone Case
I never leave behind my waterproof phone case when heading to the pool or beach so that I can keep my phone protected.
This is my favorite waterproof phone case if you want to get yourself one too.
Hair ties
This is not necessary if you have short hair but if you have long hair, then don’t forget to carry your hair ties.
I know they don’t sound so important but trust me, it’s such a pain to swim with your long hair floating around – well at least it is for me.
And the good thing is that you can just buy this full pack of 50 hair ties for cheap and forget about them for a long while.
Flip Flops
I know, it feels good walking on the sand barefooted but what doesn’t feel good is going to the bathroom barefooted if you forgot to pack a pair of flip-flops.
So as you pack your swim bag essentials, don’t leave this pair of flip-flops behind.
Related post: The ultimate summer packing list
Swim Goggles
I am personally not a huge fan of swim goggles but I know some people who can’t swim without them and others just do it because they don’t want to get chlorine in their eyes.
So if you are one of those people, then make sure that you pack yourself pair of these goggles before you go.
Hair Comb/Brush
Still, if you don’t have long hair, there is no need to have a hair comb/brush on your swimming packing list but if you do, then don’t leave it behind.
I mean you’ll need to at least brush your hair after a swim for it not to look too unkempt. You can buy this pack of 4 hair brushes for even other occasions
Body Cream
I don’t know about you but my skin gets super dry after a swim so I make sure to pack body cream before setting off to the pool/beach.
The cream you pack should depend on your skin type, but if you have dry skin like me, this aloe vera natural body cream is a great option.
Swimming Essentials: Entertainment
Floaters
Gone are the days when floaters were just used for non-swimmers to enjoy the water too! Today, they are the ultimate definition of fun on the water especially if you want to take some cool photos.
So if you want to add some spice to your pool/beach day, make sure that you don’t leave this cute inflatable flamingo floater behind.
Book/Kindle Reader
There is no better way to relax after a swim than reading your favorite book!
So as you plan the essentials to put in your swim bag, make sure that you add a book or better yet this kindle reader as it’s small, lightweight and you get access to hundreds of books in a go instead of carrying bulky hard copy books.
Related post: How to pack light like a backpacker
Noise Canceling Earphones
If reading is not your gem, then you should consider taking these noise-canceling earphones to listen to music or even a podcast while enjoying the sun. And if you’re a fan of earbuds, you can take these AirPods instead.
Final Thoughts on the Swim Essentials to Pack
Regardless of whether you’re going swimming in the pool or the beach, I hope that this post gave you an idea of the items not to leave behind.
Do you have any other swimming bag essentials you pack that are not included in this post, then please share them in the comment section to inspire us as well.
And if the post helped you pack everything, please let me know that one thing you almost forgot but this post reminded you about.
More packing lists that will help you pack better
- The ultimate car camping packing list
- What to pack for a hostel
- Essential carry-on items for long flights
- What to pack for a day hike
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