If you’re young or old, swimming is quite possibly the perfect exercise – it’s great cardio, works on balance and strength and it’s less impact than more traditional exercises…among many other reasons. This information is intended to give you guidance as to what proper swimming etiquette is. Whether you’re new to the pool, or have been swimming for years, I hope you are able to use this information for a happier swim.

Dewey Case
Aquatics Director

Getting Started

Please do the following before entering a lane:

• Spend a few minutes observing the pace of swimmers already in a lane.
• Select a lane containing swimmers who are moving as closely as possible to your skill level.
• Politely inform all swimmers in that lane that you are about to enter it. You should expect for this to take a couple of laps to get their attention and for them to stop. The first swimmers in the lane have the initial right-of-way, but do not own the lane.

Proper Etiquette

• Slower swimmers entering the pool should wait to push off the wall until faster swimmers have passed.
• Faster swimmers should give slower swimmers as much a head start as possible, instead of jumping in right behind them and immediately tapping their toes to move over.
• Allow swimmers going faster to go ahead. If you are swimming drills or using a kickboard, you should be aware that faster swimmers will want to pass you.
• Swimmers stopping on the wall should step to one side. This keeps the center of the lane open to allow other swimmers to turn.
• When circle swimming, swimmers should never stop in the center of the lane. This may cause another swimmer to run into them.

When Passing

• Gently, but distinctly, touch the feet of the swimmer you are passing.
• If you are swimming hard to keep up with the person in front of you, please think twice before touching their toes.
• If you don’t wish to pass, swim far enough behind to where you don’t inadvertently touch the toes of the person in front of you.
• Pass quickly and avoid swimming wide when there are more than two swimmers in a lane. When Being Passed
• If you are touched on the feet, continue to the next wall, then stop in the corner of the lane.
• Be aware of the gap between you and the next swimmer, and try to anticipate when you will be passed.

Circle Swimming

Circle swimming is used for multiple swimmers. If used properly, a single lane can accommodate up to 6 swimmers easily. Please make your turns quickly. If you need to stop, stay close to the lane line…this provides less interruption to other swimmers.

Splitting the Lane

Splitting the lane is only used for two swimmers. In this pattern, Swimmer A takes the right side of the lane and Swimmer B takes the left side of the lane. Flip or open turns may be used on your respective side. Use the lane marker for your divider line…just as on a highway, don’t cross the line.