6 Best Sunscreens For Competitive Swimmers That Outlast Long Practice
For swimmers, water resistance is crucial. We review 6 durable, broad-spectrum sunscreens proven to outlast long practices in chlorinated or salt water.
You drop them off at the pool for a three-hour practice under the summer sun, armed with a bottle of "sport" sunscreen. Yet, when you pick them up, you see the tell-tale signs of a burn creeping across their shoulders and the dreaded "goggle tan" starting to set in. For parents of competitive swimmers, finding a sunscreen that can actually withstand hours of laps, drills, and intense sun exposure feels like a never-ending quest. The right sunscreen isn’t just about preventing a painful burn; it’s a critical piece of gear that protects their long-term health and keeps them comfortable and focused in the water.
Sunscreen Essentials for Long Swim Practices
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When your child moves from casual summer splashing to two-a-day practices, their sun protection needs a serious upgrade. The key phrase to look for is "water-resistant (80 minutes)," which is the highest level of water resistance certified by the FDA. This doesn’t mean it’s waterproof; it means it’s tested to maintain its SPF level after 80 minutes of continuous water immersion. This is your non-negotiable starting point.
Next, consider the type. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, create a physical barrier on top of the skin. They’re fantastic for sensitive skin but can sometimes leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat. They tend to rub in clear but can sometimes cause irritation or sting the eyes, a major problem when your child is trying to read the pace clock.
For competitive swimmers training outdoors, an SPF of 50 or higher is the smart choice. The intensity and duration of their exposure are far greater than a casual beach day. This isn’t about being overprotective; it’s about providing them with the right tool for the demanding environment of their sport.
Thinksport SPF 50+ for Sensitive Young Skin
You have a younger swimmer, maybe in that 8-12 age range, whose skin still reacts to everything. Or perhaps your child struggles with eczema, and the combination of chlorine and harsh sunscreen ingredients is a recipe for a miserable, itchy practice. This is where a gentle, mineral-based formula becomes a game-changer.
Thinksport is a go-to for many swim families for this exact reason. It relies on zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, which is less likely to cause skin irritation than many chemical filters. It’s thick, which means you know it’s there, but it provides a reliable barrier that you can trust on your child’s developing skin.
Think of this as the peace-of-mind option. You’re not worrying about questionable ingredients while they’re focused on their stroke technique. It consistently ranks high for safety and efficacy, making it a confident choice for parents who prioritize clean ingredients without sacrificing performance.
Blue Lizard Sport SPF 50+ for Max Protection
Is your swimmer heading to an outdoor training camp or competing in a state where the sun feels relentless? When the UV index is high and practice stretches for hours, you need the most robust protection you can find. This is the scenario where you pull out the heavy-duty stuff.
Blue Lizard, with its Australian roots, is designed for exactly these extreme conditions. It’s a mineral-based formula known for its serious staying power. It is thick and takes a moment to rub in, but that’s precisely why it works so well; it creates a tenacious shield that doesn’t easily wash off during a grueling butterfly set.
A clever feature for younger kids is the smart bottle technology—the bottle or cap turns blue in the presence of harmful UV light. This provides a great visual cue, helping teach kids about sun safety and reminding them (and you) that it’s time to apply. It’s a small detail that supports their growing independence and awareness.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Lotion for Endurance
Let’s be practical: swim season is long, and you can go through an astonishing amount of sunscreen. Between daily practices, weekend meets, and multiple kids on the team, the cost can add up quickly. You need a reliable workhorse that gets the job done without draining your wallet.
Coppertone Sport is that dependable, accessible choice. It’s a chemical sunscreen designed to bond to the skin and resist sweat and water for a full 80 minutes. It rubs in easily and doesn’t leave a greasy or white residue, which is a big plus for kids who are sensitive to how things feel on their skin.
This is the sunscreen you buy in a giant value-size bottle at the beginning of the season. It’s a proven formula that provides excellent broad-spectrum protection and is trusted by athletes everywhere. It’s the smart, economical choice for the family whose swim bag is always packed and ready to go.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 for All-Day Meets
Getting your teen to consistently apply sunscreen before a 6 AM practice can be a battle. They’re concerned with how it feels, how it smells, and frankly, whether it’s "cool." When compliance is the biggest hurdle, finding a product they actually like to use is a major victory.
Sun Bum hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s an effective, broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen that feels more like a high-end lotion than a sticky, medicinal cream. The signature tropical scent is a huge draw for teens, making the application process feel less like a chore.
For those marathon, all-day meets where they’re in and out of the water, this is a fantastic option. It’s moisturizing, which helps combat the drying effects of chlorine and sun, and it’s a brand they’ll be happy to pull out of their bag. The best sunscreen is the one your kid will actually wear, and for many teens, this is it.
Neutrogena Sport Face SPF 70+ for No Eye Sting
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+ protects your face from sun damage during outdoor activities. This oil-free, water-resistant formula with Helioplex won't clog pores and helps prevent sunburn.
There is nothing worse than a swimmer having to stop mid-lap, squinting in pain because sunscreen has run into their eyes. It’s distracting, it stings, and it can completely derail their focus during a race or a hard set. This is why having a dedicated face sunscreen is a non-negotiable for any serious swimmer.
Neutrogena’s Sport Face formula is specifically engineered to tackle this problem. It creates a breathable barrier that is formulated to be sweat- and water-resistant in a way that prevents it from running and causing that dreaded eye sting. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores—a huge plus for teens prone to breakouts.
Keeping a stick or small tube of this in their mesh gear bag is one of the smartest investments you can make. It allows them to protect the most exposed part of their body—their face—without compromising their vision or comfort in the water. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in their training experience.
Badger Sport SPF 40 Cream for Natural Coverage
For families who prioritize organic and natural ingredients, finding a high-performance sport sunscreen can be a challenge. You want simple, recognizable ingredients, but you can’t afford to compromise on protection during a four-hour swim meet.
Badger Sport Cream is the answer. This is a super-simple mineral formula, often with as few as five ingredients, led by a high concentration of uncoated zinc oxide. It offers powerful, water-resistant protection you can feel good about. It is very thick and leaves a visible white layer on the skin, but that’s the point—that layer is the physical barrier doing its job.
Think of this as the purest form of sun protection. You have to be willing to embrace the "ghostly" look, but in return, you get an incredibly effective, chemical-free sunscreen that is gentle on the skin and the environment. For the swimmer with extreme sensitivities or the family committed to an all-natural lifestyle, Badger is the gold standard.
Application Tips for Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Even the best sunscreen in the world will fail if it isn’t applied correctly. Many poolside sunburns happen not because the product was bad, but because the application was rushed or incomplete. Teaching your swimmer to do this right is as important as teaching them to pack their goggles.
First, apply sunscreen a full 20 minutes before they get in the water. This gives it time to properly bind to the skin. Applying it poolside right before they jump in for warm-ups is too late. Second, be generous. The recommended amount is one ounce (a full shot glass) to cover the body. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of the feet, ears, the back of the neck, and any part in their hair.
Most importantly, understand what "water-resistant for 80 minutes" means. It is a time limit, not a promise of all-day protection. You must reapply after 80 minutes of swimming. During long meets, set a timer on your phone. After they get out and towel off, it’s time to reapply. This reapplication discipline is what separates a comfortable, protected swimmer from a miserable, sunburnt one.
Ultimately, choosing the right sunscreen is about matching the right tool to your child’s specific needs—their skin sensitivity, their age, and the intensity of their training. The goal isn’t just to buy a bottle, but to build a consistent habit that protects them throughout their swimming career. By finding a formula that works for them and teaching them proper application, you’re giving them one less thing to worry about so they can focus on the finish line.