For novice swimmers or experienced swimmers who may be rusty on the rules, here are a few simple guidelines that lap swimmers should follow to make the most of their swimming workouts and to avoid injury.
Entering the Swimming Pool
When you walk out on to the pool deck and you see an empty lane – great! Jump on in. If you do not see an empty lane, try to find one that has the fewest swimmers or one that has swimmers of similar ability to yourself. If there is only one other person in the lane, it is normally acceptable to split the lane so you each have your own side. If the swimmer in the lane stops while you are entering the lane, ask if it’s ok with her / him if you split the lane. If the swimmer does not stop and you do not have the opportunity to ask, get in the pool on one side of the lane. The other swimmer, if she / he practices good lap lane etiquette, will stay to one side.
If you are the only swimmer in the lane while another swimmer enters, it is polite to choose your side of the lane and stay on it. It might be nice to have a lane to yourself, but it is not good etiquette to swim down the center of the lane and try to intimidate the other swimmer from entering your lane.
Circle Swimming
If there are more than two of you swimming per lane then you should circle swim, which means swimming up on one side of the lane and back on the other side. Generally, you will be swimming counter-clockwise unless the pool rules specify otherwise. With circle swimming, it is even more important to choose a lane with swimmers of equal ability. It can be dangerous for a weaker swimmer to enter a lane with experienced swimmers and it can be a detriment to an experienced swimmer’s workout to get in a lane with weaker swimmers.
Even when choosing a lane with similar ability swimmers, there may be occasion to pass them. To do this, tap their foot lightly one time. This will signal to that swimmer to stop at the next wall and let you pass. If you are the swimmer being passed, please make sure you stop at the next wall, not in the middle of the lane, and let the other swimmer pass. Do not try to speed up to prevent the swimmer from passing you.
Common Sense Swimming
Whether you are circle swimming or split lane swimming, it is important to stay to the side of the lane and not swim too far in the center. If you are too far in the center, it is difficult for other swimmers sharing your lane. Swimming down the center of the lane can also be hazardous – it increases your chances of hitting arms with, kicking, or being kicked by another swimmer.
Another pet peeve of veteran lap swimmers is swimmers who jog or walk down the lanes, rather than swim. If you would like to aqua jog, please use an area of the pool that is not designated for lap swimming.
If you use your common sense and follow these other basic guidelines of lap lane swimming, you will have a much more pleasant and safe workout experience. Ask a lifeguard if you have any questions about the particular rules at your pool. For more information on lap lane swimming etiquette, visit Lap Lane Swimming Etiquette 101.
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