Could The First Day Of Bleeding Be Managed Without The Tampon?

I need answers ASAP! I'm 13 and have kinda started my period by that I mean I have brown discharge that I find in my knickers (I use a pad to catch it now) but when I wipe down there I see a little bit of blood, can I swim like this without a tampon? As I'm young and don't really feel comfortable using one yet.