We understand everyone will have different swimming speeds and abilities but we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have the best swim possible. Before lane swimming with us, here are a few rules that you need to follow to keep everything flowing smoothly in each lane and ensure all swimmers are safe and have an enjoyable swim with us.
Swim in the right direction
Each lane will have a board at each end indicating whether or not you should be swimming in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. They will also be labelled slow, medium and fast as an indicator of the swimmers’ types of speed. Make sure you stick to this, even if the lane’s quiet as it just makes it easier for everyone, including you, other swimmers and the lifeguards.
Let faster swimmers past
If there’s a faster swimmer behind you, it’s important you let them past. Not only is it less than polite to keep faster swimmers behind you, but it can cause a tailback, clogging up the lane for other swimmers. If you want to let swimmers past, wait until you reach the end of the line, pull to the side and let all the faster swimmers behind past before continuing to swim.
It’s also essential you don’t start swimming in front of faster swimmers. Let them all past before you begin. If you are being regularly passed, you might want to consider moving into a slower lane.
How to let slower swimmers know you want to pass
If you’re behind a slightly slower swimmer, the commonly accepted thing to do is give their feet a little tap. Remember, not all swimmers will sense your presence, and may not even feel a tap, so be patient. If they’re following this guide, they’ll pull aside at the end of the lane and let you past.
Taking a break
We understand if you need to rest after swimming a few lengths. Swimming is hard work and you mustn’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re just starting. When you do rest, however, you must stay out of the way of those swimmers that are continuing. Please stop and rest at the end of the lane and move into the corner to make sure you don’t get in the way of those continuing with their swim.
