Lap swimming etiquette is fairly simple, but it prevents a host of problems, advises Vicky Hallett in "The Washington Post." If you are sharing a lane with one other person you can split it down the middle and stay out of one another's way. If three or more people are in your lane, swimmers stay to the right moving in a counterclockwise pattern. This is called circle swimming.
Significance
Everyone stays safer when a few basic rules are observed during lap swims, similar to following the rules of the road when driving to prevent collisions, advises Ironman triathlete Art Hutchinson. Following the rules also helps to avoid confrontations among swimmers.
Types
Seek an open lane first. If one does not exist, look at the lanes to determine which have fast swimmers and which have slower moving swimmers. Pick the lane closest to your swim pace, Beginner Triathlete suggests. If you join a lane, ask the other swimmers about entering the lane, or otherwise indicate you want to join before you start to swim. If you wait for a lane, don't hover or "claim" it by putting your gear next to it. This is like standing over a table of diners in a restaurant. A swimmer can feel pressured to leave before completing his workout, according to writer Hallett.
Time Frame
If you are a slow swimmer who's in a lap-swimming circle with faster swimmers do not push off a wall when a faster swimmer is approaching the wall to turn around. Instead wait to start your lap until the faster swimmer has turned and started another lap. Go almost immediately after the faster swimmer makes her turn to extend the time before you are lapped and need to stop again, advises Art Hutchinson, who has completed six Ironman events.
Expert Insight
When you swim faster than someone ahead of you, lightly touch his foot. This is a signal that you wish to pass. If another swimmer touches your foot, let that swimmer get around you easily, advises Beginner Triathlete. Pass on the left, columnist Hallett advises. If you are a fast swimmer, give the slower swimmer a head start before pushing off the wall. That way you won't have to tap his toes to request a pass as soon, Hutchinson suggests.
Considerations
Modify your swimming plan to fit what others in the lane already are doing. If a group is working on long, steady freestyle strokes, don't insert yourself and do a sprint, Hutchinson says. Competitive swimmers are trying to complete specific drills or do precise intervals. Interrupting lane traffic may ruin someone's workout, Hallett suggests.
Warning
When resting along the wall, stay off to the side. Do not float or stand in the middle of a lane, advises Beginner Triathlete. Also avoid stopping in the middle of a swim length because another swimmer may run into you, says Hutchinson. Adjust your goggles or swimsuit at the end of the lane.
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