Is Tampons Safe For Teenage Girls?

Well i have a problem. I have irregular periods as i only started recently. Next month I am going away for 6 days on a school trip. One of the days we are going swimming at a place with loads of slides etc. I am worried I might be on my period that day. I have never worn a tampon because im scared..but some people say you an just wear pads in the pool. Is this true? But also I am willing to try tampons if not. But if I haven't started on the day should I put one in incase i start in the pool? Or will this make me get TSS!!?? Sorry this is really long ...