Check you have everything you need to spend time on the poolside (sometimes the whole day!).

Plenty of swimming costumes (and spare hats, goggles and towels)

• so you can change into a dry one after each warm-up and event. This will stop you getting cold.

If the club is sending someone along to be on poolside with the swimmers, find out who it is so you'll recognise them when you get there.

Take plenty of poolside wear.

• Always assume it's going to be cold on the poolside. You can always take stuff off, but if you dont have it in the first place you can't put it on. I've gone to meets wearing shorts and a t-shirt outside because its the middle of summer, only to find the pool has its air-con up so high it's freezing inside!

Make sure you have enough to eat and drink throughout the day.

• Get your mum or dad to pack you a lunch and then some. You're going to get hungry and thirsty with all that swimming. There's nothing worse than being hungry and grumpy all day.

Take some entertainment with you.

• Magazines, Walkman and Gameboys are good (just don't drop them in the water!).

A positive attitude.

• If you don't want to be there in the first place then you're definitely not going to enjoy it when you get there.

When you get there

Find your coach or club representative if there is one.

Find out where everything is.

• From the changing rooms to the cafeteria, you never know what you might need.

Go and register.

• Either by posting your cards or at the officials table. This lets them know you are there.

Know what events you are doing and when they are taking place.

The whips

• They are there to help you get to your events on time and be in the right place. They will look for you but if they can't find you then you may miss your event. Don't hide in the changing rooms or up in the balcony.

Make yourself available.

If you really dont know whats going on, just ask somebody. Everybody will be glad to help.

Have a good warm up.

• There will be warm-up sessions before the beginning of each session so, get in there and get warm!

Talk to people.

• As I said there are bound to be others there who are just as nervous about it all as you. Talking to other swimmers is a great way to make friends from other clubs (as well as your own).

Swim hard and enjoy yourself.

• It's not all supposed to be hard work.