Here are some photos from a typical swim meet.
[ Swim Meet photos - Page 1 ]

Here is the event starter on the other side of the pool. A loud PA/horn and strobe light are used to start each race.	This is the finish of a 25yd race for the younger swimmers. The races are normally 50yd (2 lengths) and 100yd (4 lengths), but for the younger swimmers - only 1 length is used. Three timers are used for scoring in each lane.
Off the Starting Blocks...	The girls are off the Starting Blocks...
Gliding with the breast stroke.	A two-hand touch is sometimes required for the turn, and also for the finish.
Swimming... The black lane markers painted on the pool bottom are used to help the swimmer know when the end of the lane is approaching - for a flip turn. When swimming on their back, the pennants/flags above are used as an approaching end of lane marker.	The last group to leave... is usually the hard working ribbons/awards crew.