As the P.E. swim unit approaches this upcoming Monday, freshmen are bracing themselves—not just for the pool, but also for the 10-minute scramble to get ready afterwards, the soggy towels stuffed in backpacks, the attempt to moisturize dry skin as the bell is ringing, and the awkward shuffle into their next period. While some freshmen may be plotting ways to get excused on as many days as possible, others are looking for more practical ways to prepare. Here are some helpful tips.
The swim unit dress code allows you to choose what makes you feel best. Whether you want to wear a one-piece, two-piece, or board shorts, prioritize your comfort and confidence. Everyone is too focused on themselves—and not drowning—to overanalyze what anyone else is wearing.
Some students like to wear their swimsuit under their clothes in preparation for their P.E. period. This may be uncomfortable if you have the class later in the day, but could work well if it is your first or second period. While it may make sense to wear your swimsuit to school first period, don’t wear it home if it is your last period. The dripping wet car ride, damp towel, and armfuls of clothing are not worth saving yourself a three-minute locker room shower.
On that same note, the changing aspect can also feel awkward. You can find an empty aisle of lockers, opt for a shower or bathroom stall, or have your friends hold up a towel shield.
If your swim period falls in the middle of the day, it’s a good idea to give your next period teacher a heads-up. Many teachers are very generous with the time you’ll need to get to class or the state you may arrive in (towel-wrapped hair is humbling, but a rite of passage).
Another important question is what to do with your hair while you swim. For students with longer hair, braided hairstyles seem to work best, and there will often be a chain of students braiding each other’s hair on the bleachers before they get in the pool.
Another thing to consider when heading to school in the morning is what clothes will be the easiest to put on after swimming. Leggings and skinny jeans, for example, are not fun to yank on while you’re barely dry. Looser sweatpants, skirts, track pants, or shorts are better choices.
One final idea is to strategize your pool exit. Making it to the locker room just 10 seconds earlier can mean the difference between waiting minutes for a shower or hopping right in. Coordinate with a friend or group you’re comfortable sharing a stall with, and make sure one of you gets there fast. But prioritize safety and don’t run on the pool deck—showing up to your next period a minute late is better than showing up with a bruised knee.
Now that you’ve got the logistics, you need to know what to pack. Yes, bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit. But what else could be helpful to bring? While making purchases for this unit is definitely not necessary, some extra products may come in handy throughout the unit and then during summer.
Dreaded chlorine damage, green hair, and tangles can become key memories from the swim unit. Using a product like AquaGuard, a pre-swim hair defense, can help protect against these effects by creating a barrier between hair and chlorine, while also adding nourishment. This not only preserves hair health but also reduces the time and effort needed for post-swim maintenance.
Another solution is a trusty shampoo and conditioner. If you really want to level up, look for ones specifically made to remove chlorine—they’re locker room gold and almost guaranteed to get passed around. A good hair detangler is also crucial. Your post-swim hair will thank you. You should also bring moisturizer, both for your body and face. That post-pool dryness is no fun during English class, so adding lotion to your locker room routine is not a bad idea.
Speaking of the locker room, get ready for the fastest shower of your life. You do not want to do this barefoot—just think about what might be on that shower floor. A simple pair of sandals or flip flops will save you from that experience along with the dirty water in the locker halls and walking to and from the pool on hot ground.
Mascara—many high schooler’s favorite step of their makeup routine—is also threatened by this unit. This waterproof mascara has been passed down through freshman classes as the famous “swim unit mascara,” and upperclassmen recommend it for good reason.
Goggles also become a staple during the swim unit, not just to ease underwater discomfort but also to protect lashes and be a fun accessory. Many use simple racing goggles, some patterned with unicorns or stripes, while others opt for goggle masks to feel more protected underwater.
The last thing you should bring is a bag to put your wet swimsuit in. You don’t want to be throwing it in your backpack to soak through your notebooks, or tossing it in your locker to stay damp for the next day. There are tales of moldy swimsuits or towels that were left in lockers, so don’t be that person. A simple gallon-sized Ziplock does the trick.
The swim unit may sound like a hassle, but you’ll be looking back on those pool days with your friends and classmates for years to come. You have to do it, so why not make the most of it? Pack your swim bag and get ready to dive in.
