📋 Step 1: Our Gear Details
Child’s initials or symbol (not full name)
Class day, time and pool location
Phone number for labels
School front desk phone
Where lost and found is kept
How long found items are kept
🏷️ Step 2: Label It Safely
Inside, not outside Use a care tag, waistband or fabric tape, not a big name on the front.
Initials and phone Initials or a house name plus a parent phone number.
Laundry-proof marker Use permanent laundry ink, iron-on tags or wet-gear stickers.
Bright bag, fun symbol Let your child spot their own bag without a name.
Case labels Mark goggle cases, ear plug cases and prescription goggles with your phone number.
Re-check each season Refresh faded labels and label new gear before the first class.
📸 Step 3: Pack and Photo
Pack together Say each item aloud with your child.
Take a photo Snap the laid-out gear and keep it on your phone.
Mesh pouch Zip goggles, ear plugs and small items in one pouch.
Adult-held items Keep medicines, phones and valuables with an adult, never alone in a bag.
Gear list
🔍 Step 4: End-of-Class Sweep
Bench or hook Check where the bag and towel were set down.
Deck or cubby Check where your child waited and put on shoes.
Changing area Check with a parent or staff present. Never send a child in alone.
Compare to the photo Have your child point to each item.
Count at the door Count the bag contents one last time before leaving.
Nobody leaves early Everyone stays together until the sweep is done.
Tip: do the sweep while your child is calm and dressed. A rushed exit is when goggles get left behind.
📦 Step 5: Lost Item Recovery Log
Tell the front desk Describe the item, color and label, and leave a phone number.
Check four places Lost and found, locker room, pool deck and your car.
Ask the policy How long are items kept, and when are they donated?
Check at next class Look again and write down what you find.
Do not reuse found gear Wash or replace goggles, caps, ear plugs and swimsuits first.
Children are never alone in or near water. Searching for gear never comes before supervision. If a child is in trouble in the water, get help and call 911 or your local emergency number. Lessons do not make a child drown-proof, at any age.
📝 Step 6: Notes for Next Week
Item we lose most often
One label to refresh
Question for the instructor
Question for the school office
Spare gear to buy
Next check-in date
