Pool lane etiquette - or how to avoid lane rage!








By Penny Wilkin and Sarah Hill


Last week I witnessed some disagreements about the etiquette of lane swimming that ended with two people in tears and disrupted swimming for all those involved. This is such a shame because swimming should be a fun and sociable activity (with the appropriate distancing of course) that we can all enjoy whatever our swimming ability or goals.

 

In the UK, many pools are still closed so people have far fewer places to swim. Managing the pool space can prove difficult at the best of times and is particularly tricky at the moment when swimmer numbers are so limited and regulations so strict. It’s even more important then that we find a way to negotiate the lanes in order to reduce the potential for the all too familiar incidents of ‘lane rage’ we have all experienced or witnessed at some point, here are some tips to help your swim session go smoothly:

 

  • Timetables and lane arrangements are particularly complicated at the moment, most pools now need you to book a space so check this before swimming. Make sure you understand your particular pool’s COVID arrangements and check if anything is not clear
  • Before getting in the water it is crucial to check entrance and exits as these may be in different places than you are used to. It is always a good idea to take a minute to look at the pool and identify any slow/fast lanes and which lanes are swimming clockwise or anti-clockwise. If there are no signs, then ask the lifeguards or other swimmers.
  • It’s a great idea to make friends with people – say good morning, chat, break the ice; making it personal makes for a more pleasant pool where people are more likely to let you pass, push off etc. You can also talk to other swimmers about what reps you are doing and ask them about their swim set so you can co-operate and negotiate with each other. If you start the conversation other people will follow.
  • Try to lead by example – do not swim aggressively, be kind and give other people space – these are stressful times and remember that not everyone is used to swimming in lanes.
  • If restrictions allow, choose a lane that has people swimming about the same pace as you.
  • Look before you push off the wall, and judge the pace of the swimmers in front of you or those coming in to the wall so that you don’t push off into someone, or just as another swimmer is turning at the wall
  • If a slower swimmer is in front of you, give them a big gap before pushing off so you have room to swim.
  • Most pools are not currently allowing overtaking so check before you do so. If you cannot overtake then ditch your length, turn round and swim back and re-start your rep so there is more space.
  • If you notice a faster swimmer behind you getting closer, then let them push off first at the end of the lane.
  • If you are resting, try and rest to one corner of the lane so that other swimmers have enough room to turn.
  • Whilst touching is not currently a good idea, in some pools, it is common practice for a faster swimmer to touch the toes of a swimmer in front to indicate that they would like to pass – if this happens to you try not to be offended!
  • In busy lanes accidental touching happens and its usually nothing more than swimmers being a bit clumsy or losing concentration. If you get bumped into just let it go, and if you are the clumsy swimmer then apologise and check the other person is OK.
  • Current conditions mean that you are more likely to get a mix of swimming abilities and speeds in a lane. People will also have different levels of awareness of lane etiquette as many will not be used to lane swimming.
  • It is easy to get frustrated with other people in the lane – but this just creates stress and ruins your swim. Remind yourself of what is important and why you are here. Wherever you can practice patience, tolerance and calm – this has the added bonus of helping your focus which will make for a better swim.
  • If you do find yourself stuck behind super slow swimmers who do not know about lane etiquette, ask the lifeguard to suggest they move somewhere more suited to their swim. Likewise, if someone gets angry with you ask the lifeguard to deal with it – it never gets any better if you try and deal with it yourself.
  • If all else fails then ditch your carefully planned distance and speed swim, be flexible, take the time to practice your technique, work through some drills, short reps or maybe count strokes, work on breathing, focal points etc. Swimming more carefully and mindfully is a great way to learn balance and give your brain time to think and coordinate your body to move efficiently.

Whilst many of us have experienced or witnessed lane rage it is important to keep a sense of perspective and remember that, no matter how frustrating or annoying or just plain ridiculous it seemed at the time it is after all, just swimming!

Penny Wilkin is a Total Immersion coach based in Coventry www.youcancoaching.co.uk 

Sarah Hill is a Total Immersion coach based in Manchester www.swimmingly.co.uk


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