Every single swimmer needs to enjoy their swimming with us, and that our lanes are a positive place where people are respectful of everyone’s ability.

So here are some important swimming etiquette guidelines to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time swimming in our lanes.

• Swimmers being overtaken should never stop in the middle of the pool, nor should they continue beyond the next wall. Instead, they should stop at the next wall, in the corner of the lane and let the swimmer pass.
• If more than one swimmer is bunched close behind, the swimmer being overtaken should allow the entire group of faster swimmers to pass before pushing off the wall again (i.e. don’t push off right in front of someone else who is trying to pass or is a faster swimmer.)
• Don’t touch the feet of swimmers in front of you. There should always be at least a 5-second gap taken at the wall (this doesn’t include walking down the pool after the swimmer in front). If you need to pass, the swimmer should follow the etiquette rules above and stop at the wall to let you pass. If you are catching up to someone, either allow a bigger gap or adjust the lane order and move in front of them.
• In circle format, swimmers should always stay aware of the gap behind them to the next swimmer and try to anticipate when that swimmer is likely to make a pass.  This is easily accomplished by looking back just before or during each turn, (whether 'flip' or 'open'). We KEEP Left!
• Swimmers resting or otherwise waiting at the wall should stay as far to one side of the lane as possible to allow everyone to finish at the wall, or to complete their turn.
• The Lane Leader must understand the set and all the intervals, be able to see and read the pace clock and have a good sense of pace. If you typically take it out fast and fade, you are better off swimming the set behind a teammate who will pace the set better. The Lane Leader should use common sense and realize that the way he/she swims affects everyone in the lane. The other swimmers need to support their Lane Leader, politely correcting errors and electing new leaders at the correct times.
• Be aware of how ‘wide’ stroke mechanics may impact adjacent swimmers.  Someone’s wild backstroke, butterfly arm or paddle can hit swimmers in other lanes, as can an over-wide breaststroke kick.
• Keep toenails and fingernails closely trimmed and avoid wearing protruding jewellery.  These items can easily scratch other swimmers in a busy pool.
• Treat other swimmers with total respect and friendship. Everyone has individual goals and reasons to be at training. Be considerate and welcoming to all new swimmers, and work together as a team to create an enjoyable environment.

If you have any concerns around swimmer respect and lane etiquette, please address it at the time with the person/s concerned and if necessary, with the coach. What happens in the pool stays in the pool!