I am going to swim laps on my lunch break today. It's the first time in a LONG time that I've been swimming. I know from other people's posts that there's some kind of etiquette associated with sharing lanes, etc. Any pointers for a rookie? Thanks!
I agree with Cheryl O. I've attached a recent question in case you haven't seen it.
http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/15849221154641412097
S.!!
If we weren't far apart - i'd join you!!!
When I was on swim team in HS and college - you waited until the other person was on the other side and swam like you would drive - on the right side of the lane.
YOU GO!!!!
The post that Mrs M referred to is mine. Since that incident my pool has added extra signs that say 'KEEP RIGHT'. Lol. Just choose a lane where the other swimmers are doing a speed similar to what you would do. Remember to swim up and down in the right hand side of your lane, and do not, whatever you do, get into a lane where the other swimmer is wearing a snorkel!
Hi S.! I've swam all my life and am doing a Masters swim program now. What everyone else says is correct - stay to the right like you're driving. It's called "circle swimming" (at least it was back in the day!) If you arrive at the pool and want to join in a lane where only one person is currently swimming, I personally would hop in and wait at the wall for that person to get to you. Then ask him/her "could we circle swim?" A lot of times if I am alone in a lane I'll just stay in the middle, until I notice someone has joined me! And Janie, that comment about the snorkel made me laugh out loud!!! Have fun swimming - what a great sport :)
It depends on the pool and availability of lanes. So if it is crowded...judge the swimmers to see where you should swim fast, slow, etc. if you can. If there are two people in the lane you share the lane - each person swims on their side. If there are more than two, you do circle swim. Enjoy! I swim often and love it especially with my now arthritic knee.
I haven't done lap swimming in years... but from what I remember
If there are multiple lanes of lap swimming try to pick a lane with other people that are swimming the same speed as you.
If you are in a lane and the person behind you is swimming faster let them pass you the next time you get to one side of the pool.
Stick to the right hand side of the lane (don't swim up and down the middle) unless you have the lane to yourself.
Swimming it great!
At our pool (outdoors), we generally do a 50/50 split rather than circle, if there are just two people in the lane. I much prefer it, and most others seem to also, because it doesn't matter how fast each person swims. If there are 3 or more (rare, unless you are part of a master swim group), we circle.
That said, the lanes are larger than at the local Y, where circle swimming is more the norm, and the lanes are grouped by speed.
There are two types, circle, and sharing the lane. Circle is when you have at least 3 people in the lane. Everyone swims up the right side, and back on the left side. If there is just you and one other person, you can share the lane. you stay on one side, and the other person stays on the other. I prefer to have a lane to myself, but I know that this is not always possible.
