A small emergency kit can prevent a forgotten product or unexpected first period from turning into a missed session.
The kit does not need to be complicated.
What to include
Consider keeping:
- disposable pads for before and after swimming;
- a small range of tampons, if your organisation is comfortable providing them;
- information about period swimwear and other water-suitable options;
- spare underwear in a small range of sizes;
- clean shorts or simple spare clothing where practical;
- waterproof or washable bags for wet or stained items;
- tissues and access to normal handwashing facilities.
If the club chooses to provide reusable products, include clear care and hygiene instructions.
Important: pads are not for the pool
Standard disposable or reusable pads absorb water and should not be presented as a product to wear while swimming.
They can be very useful before entering the pool and after the swimmer gets changed.
Do you need to provide tampons or cups?
Not necessarily.
A club should never make a young person feel they have to use an internal product in order to take part.
If you provide tampons, keep the original packaging and instructions available. Menstrual cups are more individual and usually require personal sizing, cleaning and practice, so they are less suitable as an emergency shared-club product.
Where should the kit live?
Choose somewhere that is easy to access without a public request in front of the squad.
Options might include:
- a clearly labelled welfare box;
- reception;
- a team manager's kit bag;
- an accessible changing-room location, if the facility can support it.
Make sure swimmers know where it is.
Think beyond products
The most useful item may be permission to leave the pool without fuss.
A period-friendly kit only works if it is backed by:
- toilet access;
- privacy;
- supportive adults;
- a plan for leaks;
- a clear route to parents or carers when needed.
Restock it
Assign responsibility for checking supplies. Emergency products are not much help if the box has been empty for six months.
Medication is separate
Do not add painkillers to an informal welfare box unless your organisation has a clear, lawful medication policy and appropriate consent and administration procedures.
Remember
The aim is simple: a swimmer should not have to leave because they were caught without a period product.
Related LTM content
- My Swimming-Bag Period Checklist
- Period Products for Swimming: What Coaches Need to Know
- What If a Swimmer Starts Their First Period at the Pool?
- Leaks at the Pool: How a Coach Should Respond
Explore related support
Related swimmer support