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Lap Swim Etiquette

Please read the following lap swim reminders.

• Take the empty lane first. There is no need to share if there are other empty lanes, even if this means you must swim in the shade/sun/not your favorite lane.
• Notify the other swimmer you would like share with them. Flag them down at either end, typically done by gently waving a kickboard in the water as they come into the wall. Ask if you can share the lane.
• Choose a lane according to your speed, not your ego. Take a moment to evaluate the swimmers before you choose to share. If someone is working on butterfly and spreading out maybe pick another lane. If you are trying to qualify for the Olympics, don’t chose to share with a leisurely backstroker.
• Circle Swimming vs Lane Splitting: These are the two ways that swimmers share lanes. Circle means the swimmers follow each other in the lane, swimming down one side of the lane and back on the other side; splitting means each swimmer uses one half of the lane exclusively.
• Don’t split the lane unless agreed to. Circle swim is the general rule of the pool. if you want to split make sure you have a conversation before assuming the other swimmers’ intentions.
• Don’t push off right before a swimmer comes in to turn. Do not wait until the other swimmer is near the turn/wall before pushing off. This will not allow for proper spacing and could result in them pushing off into you or directly beside you.
• Rest in the corners. It is ok to rest between sets and laps but please do so in the corner of the lane so as to no to impede turns. If you hang out in the middle, you might get a flip turn to the face/gut/ back.
• Cross the T to turn. When coming into the wall cross into the center to begin the turn and push off into the opposite side to avoid a possible collision.
• Give other swimmers space. Please do not swim on the heels of one another space yourself out accordingly and pass as needed.

Bring your own gear. Kickboards and other equipment at the end of a lane most likely belongs to the other swimmer. Please borrow a club kickboard or buoy for use during your swim, if needed.