Similar to walking, cycling, and driving, there are swimming rules for how you can share the space with others. When you are swimming in a pool, it is crucial to have some basic lane sharing etiquette so that everyone can enjoy their swimming.
Here we will clearly explain the fundamental swimming pool rules of lane sharing with other swimmers and enjoy drama-free swimming.
Following are some guidelines for swimmers to follow when sharing a lane with strangers:
Refrain from pushing off just before a swimmer is about to turn:
No matter their age or expertise level, some swimmers never grow out of this tendency. If you push off as another swimmer is coming in to turn, that swimmer will either push off exactly next to you, on top of you or below you.
Cross the T to turn:
When entering the walls, cross into the middle of the lane and turn there so that you have less distance to reach the other side of the lane. Another swimmer will likely be close behind you in a crowded pool, so turning toward the wall in the middle ensures that you don’t push off into approaching swimmers.
Give other swimmers some space:
This is one of the important rules of lane sharing. Unless the swimming pool is completely packed with swimmers, as is usually at a swim meet with one swimming pool and 1000+ swimmers, give a gorgeous amount of space to other swimmers in your swim lane. Do not swim on the heels of other swimmers, similar to when someone pushes off just before they turn.
Before entering, make sure to check the direction of the circle:
Many swimmers jump and start swimming against the directions of the posted circle. It leads to congestion and confusion when people swim against the traffic flow. You must follow this lane sharing rule to avoid congestion and confusion in swimming.
If not agreed to, do not split the lane:
Sometimes, when two swimmers are in a swim lane, they divide it, with each occupying one side. Don’t just dive in and hope the other swimmer will comprehend what you mean to do; lane sharing should be decided between the two swimmers.
Similar to this, when you are the third swimmer in the lane divided by two simmers, be polite and wait at the end of the swimming lane until the other two swimmers notice you before returning to circle swimming.
Take a Rest in a corner:
It’s normal to want to take a breather and mentally refresh before the next round of swimming in between reps and sets. Rest in the corner, near the wall or lane rope as possible, to let other swimmers turn freely. Be prepared to get flip-turned on if you choose to relax in the center of the lane.
Consider your speed, not your ego, while choosing a lane:
Yes, we all like to believe that we are the pool’s fastest swimmer. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the situation. Select a lane corresponding to how rapidly or slowly you anticipate swimming. In other words, you should swim in the lane where other swimmers are least likely to obstruct you and vice versa.
Tap and pass:
Swimmers in your lane who are moving more slowly than you should tap them on foot once and then go faster to pass. Do not speed up if you are about to be passed. Stay to the side and let the fast swimmer pass you quickly.
Make the transaction as seamless as possible whether you are passing or being passed. Because passing down the center of the lane when it is congested is unsafe and increases the chance of head-on collisions. So it is very important to follow this lane sharing rule to avoid head collisions.
Bring your own items:
Although it should go without saying, bring your own swimming gear to the lane. In addition to being bad manners, using other swimmers’ equipment is also a bad life policy. Bring your own equipment; other swimmers’ pull buoys or hand paddles will be modified to fit them accurately. You can also check the important gears you need for swimming.
Any swimmer should know the unspoken swimming pool rules of lane sharing with other swimmers. Whether at a swim meet or practice with their own team, the swimmers need to have lane etiquette. The swim lanes are small, and swimmers must swim without getting in other swimmers’ way. If you are a swimmer, you must follow the above-mentioned lane sharing rules so that everyone can enjoy swimming.
