Lane Etiquette for Lap Swimming
If you are training for a triathlon, it is likely that you prepare for the swim at least partially at a pool where you join in with other lap swimmers. It can be confusing as to what the “rules” are when you get in a lap lane with one or more other swimmers. Here are some tips so you don’t have to be worried about being the clueless newbie!
1. Jump in the empty lane if there is one. It’s annoying to others if you jump in the lane they are swimming in when there is an open lane available.
2. If you are joining a lane with other swimmers, observe their speed and get in the one that is closest to your own. No need to get out the stop watch, but you can avoid a lot of frustration if you scan the field of swimmers first.
3. Ask to share a lane. If you want to jump in a lane with someone else, just wait for them to stop on a wall and ask them if you can share the lane. 99.9% of the time they will be polite about it and let you in! Once you get in, make sure you are circle swimming in a clockwise rotation (counter-clockwise if you’re in Australia!), and leave at least 5-10 meters between yourself and the other swimmer(s).
4. If you are circle swimming with others, pay attention to where you push off the wall on your turn. Just make sure to avoid collisions, especially if you are doing flip turns!
5. Always yield to the faster swimmer. Let them pass you and stop on the wall to allow them to go ahead if possible.
6. If it’s a crowded lane, don’t be tempted to do a long kicking set where people have to continually pass you up. (especially don’t use a board!).
7. Avoid touching the feet of slower swimmers in front of you. Unless they are refusing to let you pass, make an attempt to go around them and they will usually stop to let you go (hopefully they have read these tips!).
Some great tips! This are the things that you wonder about, but are afraid to ask. I think a lot of beginners or novice swimmers don’t spend enough time in the pool to really learn the etiquette. Many feel uncomfortable enough just getting in the pool.
The only problem I see is waiting for someone to stop swimming, before you ask them. I have been in the pool and people are swimming miles at a time. I also see Older people 55+ do not like sharing lanes!
Sound advice. Might I add, If you are sweaty, please shower off before jumping in the pool. I hate the people who come right from the sauna and hop in my lane. Also, if you want to share a lane with one other swimmer, recommend splitting the lane (each of you takes a side of the lane) as opposed to circle swimming. That way you don’t get in each other’s way.
Only need to circle swim when there are 3 or more swimmers in the lane. If only 2 it is better to divide down center and stay on your side. That way there are no passing problems.
Rich. I would have to disagree. Pure swimming “rules” dictate circle swim -or down on eight back on left -even with two swimmers. It is a good habit to use at all times-in case more show up.
I’ve always split the lane with two to make it easy and I’ve always swam counter-clockwise (Michigan). I’ve never seen or heard of people swimming clockwise. Did you get them switched around or is Michigan just on Australia rules? It would make sense to me that we would swim down the right side (counter-clockwise) and not down the left side (clockwise) I was a swimmer in school and now swim competing in Triathlons.