Etiquette

Within our club we have any number of swimmers at any one time, swimming within our designated lanes. At certain times of the year, we may have 6 or more people per lane for a workout. In order for this to be effective, there must be some order to ensure the organization and safety of all swimmers involved. Usually in Lane 2 we have the newer or developmental swimmers (just learning stroke technique and turns) progressing up to the fastest and most experienced swimmers with advanced stroke technique in Lane 6.

The following procedures are designed to help run a smooth and safe Masters workout.

1. The Start to the Session: When you arrive on deck and are ready to begin, the coach will usually have the workout posted at each lane or on the board. Gather your own equipment for the workout. We may not all be on time and ready to go when others are ready to start so if you need to join a session that is already in progress, please join your lane mates at whatever set and repetition they are doing at the time. Wait on the bulkhead at the end of the lane until all swimmers in your lane have acknowledged your presence, then join the set as the last swimmer while you warm up. Please do not start the workout at the beginning unless you are on time and with the group at the start. Otherwise, we will have a mix of people at different points in the workout and we will get in each other’s way.

2. Find the Appropriate Lane for You: You want to swim in a lane which matches your pace/level. If you are unsure about where you should swim or have not swum in a while, confer with the coach who will help find the proper lane assignment for your skill and fitness level. Remember, everyone was once a beginner and there is nothing to be ashamed of if you need to ask for clarification on the workout or start in a slower lane.

3. If you constantly find yourself catching up to others in your lane or if you notice that those around you are constantly catching up to you, discuss with the coach about moving to another lane. The goal is to have people of approximate equal speed in each lane.

4. Lane Orientation: If there are two swimmers in a lane, you can agree whether one keeps to one side of the lane and the other to the opposite side, or whether you want to circle swim. If there are three or more swimmers in a lane, they MUST circle swim, and the custom is to stay to the right, that is to swim counter-clockwise. If you are the only person in the lane during warm-ups please swim in circle so that those getting to the pool a few minutes late will be able to join the warm-up in progress.

5. Leaders: The fastest person for the set should lead. Leaders should understand the set, pace time and insure that the pace time is appropriate for everyone. Leave 5-10 second intervals between swimmers. Slower swimmers can shorten the set or change lanes.

6. Don’t Leave Wall Early: If the lane is going 5 seconds between swimmers, don’t leave the wall after 3 seconds. In no time at all, you will be on the feet of the swimmer in front, and that is inconsiderate.

7. Pace Times: To work together as a team, and follow the coach’s suggested stroke, pace time and number of repetitions. Please don’t alter these unless there is unanimous agreement in your lane. Doing so should be the exception, not the rule. The coach gives us enough options to find something for everyone. The other option is to switch lanes to find a group that is swimming at a pace that will be good for you on that night based on how you feel.

8. Turns: Move to the side of the lane and push off straight so you do not interfere with swimmers coming into the lane.

9. Passing: If you need to pass a swimmer, pass on the left. Preferably tap the foot of the person in front of you before passing. If you are being overtaken at the turn, stop and wait until the other swimmer has pushed off. It is best to make the pass at the wall rather than in the middle of the lap.

a. Passer: Gently taps feet of Passee;

b. Passee: At the next turn, pulls over to the right corner of the lane and stops;

c. Passer: Makes flip turn towards the left corner of the wall;

d. Passee: Starts swimming again, behind the Passer.

10. Breaks: If you need to stop for a rest, clear your goggles, adjust your fins or gasp for air, PLEASE squeeze into the right corner of the incoming swimmers, so they will have sufficient room to turn on the left. Rejoin the set in progress; don’t start off where you left.

11. Share the Wall: Allow others to finish the set properly by leaving space at the wall. Usually the way this works is at the end of a set, the first person touches in on the far left side of the lane. The second person touches in the centre, and remains there. The third person touches to the far right, and then immediately moves away from the wall to the centre of the lane. Now the fourth person can touch in on the far right. It seems complicated, but it works if everyone plays along. With more than four swimmers, each additional person needs to move over to the centre of the lane after they touch in on the right.

12. Be Aware of Others in Your Lane: Try not to kick or swing your arms into another lane or across your own lane especially when you are near another swimmer. It is also recommended to keep your finger and toe nails trimmed to prevent further injury if a collision does occur.

13. Emergencies: Swimmers are to clear the pool immediately when the lifeguards blow one long whistle indicating an emergency.

Members are required to read the Lane Etiquette and agree to incorporate it into their workouts to ensure a safe and fun environment for all participants.