Swimming Pool Etiquette - Doing Laps

If a swimmer decides to go to the public swimming pool to get some laps in for exercise, he or she will need to adhere to some rules of etiquette. Anytime people share a space, they will need to be courteous and aware of others in order to make it a pleasant experience for everyone. Some basics are being aware of others, being aware of safety for yourself and others, being courteous and using some good common sense. Here are some things to think about:

- Observe: Before jumping into the water, a person should observe the pace of the others and the atmosphere of the place. Are they silent and serious or boisterous and loud? Having excellent observation skills will let you know what to expect and how to act, as well.

- Slow vs. fast swimmers: Slower movers should wait until the faster ones have turned at the wall and passed. The fast person may be quite serious and working on speed for an upcoming race. A more lackadaisical person with a casual and recreational bent may get in the way of the speedy person and cause bad vibes all around.

- Note strokes: Individuals who are doing the breaststroke, using a kickboard or practicing drills will need to allow freestylers to pass. Those using the freestyle stroke will tend to be going faster and will need more room.

- Sometimes strokes can complement each other: Individuals doing the backstroke may be the perfect complement to the person doing a freestyle as one takes lots of room and the other takes minimal space. If swimmers are doing a bit of everything, they can vary their routine to align with their lap-mates.

- Swimming around the circumference: If a person wants to swim in a circle around the entire pool, he or she will need to be careful not to get in the way of another lap exerciser. It's crucial to keep it moving and stay aware of others.

- Resting and waiting: Individuals who are resting or waiting for a turn need to stay out of the way. Often, there is room in the pool for those resting and waiting to stay safe and out of the others' pathways.

- Notice signs: Some public pools have signs posted classifying "slow" or "fast" lanes or those that can be used by multiple individuals. Many times, these postings are applicable for certain portions of the day or days of the week.

- Talk to the lifeguards: If a person is new to a public pool, he can look for signs or read literature online ahead of time or at the front desk in brochures or flyers. It's also helpful to speak with the lifeguards about the specific rules so you'll know how to fit in.

Rules of etiquette help groups hang out happily together. The rules and expectations for doing laps in public swimming pools are no different. In order to fit in and have a safe and pleasant experience, adhering to these suggestions will be beneficial for all concerned.