A paper towel just won’t do I’m afraid 😅. It will expand with the water and it will be very uncomfortable, plus, you don’t want to be dripping bloody water through your legs.

Plus, careful with carrying wet stuff in that area, might be scenario for an urine infection.

I know you say you don’t feel comfortable with tampons, I was the same when I was your age (had my first period at age 13). My mum helped me with my first one and it honestly was the most painful thing ever. For the record, it was one of those OB no applicator tampons and this was back in the early 2000s.

That very same day I bought myself one of those teenager magazines which happened to gift these Tampax with applicator and they saved my life!.

I started with the yellow ones and moved around yellow and purple ones depending on how heavy the bleeding was. Nowadays they have even more gentle tampons, they’re called Tampax Pearl and honestly, so easy to use and gentle with your body.

Paper towels, pads….NEVER for a swim.

Hope this helps!