Lap Swimming Etiquette in a Crowded Pool
If you know how to swim -- in the sense that you can be pushed into a pool and not drown – but you want to improve your general endurance fitness, then you should sign up for lap swimming classes. Not only will you enjoy your swimming, but you will also improve your cardiovascular endurance in no time. The good news is that most local swimming clubs offer lap swimming classes at an affordable rate. The flip side is that most swimming pools are not big enough to accommodate many people at one go. Therefore, if you practice lap swimming in a pool that is crowded most of the times, then you should follow lap swimming etiquette as outlined in this article. Read on.
Choose the Right Lane -- A common mistake that swimmers make when practising lap swimming is that they do not take the time to stay aware of what's going on in a pool. The swimmers get in and start swimming although they are beginners, and that they are inconveniencing other experienced swimmers from using the same lane. Therefore, it is critical to understand that the lanes in lap swimming pools are pre-assigned fast, medium and slow. Fast lap swimmers use a particular path whereas slow swimmers or beginners are assigned a separate lane. The first step is, therefore, to figure out which lane is appropriate for you. If you are a slow swimmer, then use the lane assigned to slow swimmers. Consequently, you will have an easy time practising lap swimming with swimmers who are at your level.
Letting other Swimmers Pass -- Once you have identified the right lane and joined the rest of the swimmers, you should keep in mind that some swimmers will pass you in the course of the practice session. Therefore, you must understand how to conduct yourself when you get a tap or two on your feet from the swimmer behind. Usually, that is an indication that the swimmer behind wants you to let them pass. Rather than swim sideways to create the room, simply swim to the next wall and allow the other swimmer to pass, then you can resume swimming. If you want to pass the swimmer ahead, don't hit or pull at their feet frantically. All you need to do is gently get close and gently tap their legs. The swimmer ahead of you will understand what is required of them.
Sharing Lanes With Non-Lap Swimmers -- If you are practising in a public pool, then you will likely be sharing the pool with non-lap swimmers. Therefore, you might find yourself surrounded by swimmers doing water aerobics or simply socialising in the pool. In such cases, there is nothing you can do unless the facility manager explicitly designates a section of the pool for lap swimming. Notably, you should not force other swimmers to create room for you. Simply choose another lane for your lap swimming practice session.
