The hot weather always brings out the "seasonal" lap pool swimmers in droves. At least, that's the case at the pool at my health club. Sunday night, I nicely asked a woman to share a lane, since it was the only lane not occupied by at least two swimmers. She said, curtly, "no." Sheesh!
So this seems a perfect time to remind people about lap pool etiquette. Here are some pointers, in truncated form, from a list posted by the staff at the Davis Athletic Club.
* Look for an open lane. "Pick the open lane most appropriate to your pace. Fast swimmers usually avoid the end lanes but otherwise group together in one half of the pool."
* Sharing. "Ask or otherwise let the other person(s) know when you're joining them...Let the other swimmer decided whether you will split the lane or swim in circles (each swims up one side and back on the other.) If you are the third swimmer, expect to swim in circles."
* Pacing. "Start 5-10 seconds after the other swimmer in your lane...If you get touched on the foot, the person behind you probably wants to pass, usually at the end of the lane."
* Resting. "If you stop to rest, move to the corner of the lane where you approach the wall."
* Waiting. "If you'd rather wait (for an open lane), stay on the pool deck and stretch/warmup away from a specific lane. Please give swimmers their space...You should not 'claim' a lane by placing your stuff at the end of your chosen lane or hovering nearby. People willing to share a lane may get in while you are waiting and, in a busy pool, you may never get a lane to yourself."
