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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2015 11 Just as roads are safer and more efficient when everyone observes a few common courtesies and basic rules, so too is a swimming pool during lap swimming. Lap swimming etiquette is a set of informal rules of conduct that ensure a smooth swimming experience when several swimmers are sharing a pool or swimming lanes. Our outdoor pool has four lanes and the indoor pool has three. The black strip on the bottom of the pool represents the center of each lane. If you are swimming alone in a lane, stay on top of the black line, which is the middle of your lane. If there are two swimmers the lane is split into halves and each swimmer swims in one half of the lane, on separate sides of the black line. Always use an empty lane if available. Middle lanes are for faster swimmers. Outside lanes for slower swimmers or walkers. Walkers should stay in the extreme outside lanes, for their safety and the safety of others. When entering the pool, enter on the side closest to your lane to minimize crossing lanes in use. When crossing a lane in use, cross behind the swimmer, not in front. Some swimmers make high-speed turns, so be attentive. When joining a lane in use, slowly enter the water and wait on the side until the other swimmer notices that you will be joining. Do not impede lap swimmers by walking or swimming across a lane. Do not lap swim perpendicular to the swimming lanes when they are in use Use your own gear. Don't "borrow" a piece of swimming equipment that you haven't brought yourself and seems abandoned. It may well be needed by one of your fellow swimmers very soon. If you are using fins, try not to frog kick. If you are not in the center of your lane the fin tip could strike a neighboring swimmer. When needing a rest, the walls at the end of the pool are great for a quick break. Stay as far to the side of the lane as possible. If more rest time is required, move to the side walls or exit the pool, keeping the lanes clear for other swimmers. Minimize talking. Smile and be friendly, but don't be too chatty. Remember, serious swimmers don't want to be bothered with questions while in the middle of a workout. As we all wish to respect our fellow swimmers, being aware of these lap swimming etiquette rules will help to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Lap Swimming Etiquette By Randy Balt