11 etiquette for lap training you need to know

Swimming is a very fun sport and has a great effect on the mind and body. That’s why you see so many people taking a dip nowadays. However, since so many people share one pool, it is important that you maintain pool etiquette. Etiquette for lap training is expected from advanced and competitive swimmers. You would also train for long distance swimming and open water swimming.

Swimmers! you should strictly abide by these rules.

Competitive swimmers should have the following lap swimming etiquette. This will ensure a safe training atmosphere for all trainees.

Must

Be on time

Being punctual is very important. Your coach will not be able to finish your workout as intended otherwise, and it shows disrespect. If you take a long time to get ready or change, other swimmers will have to wait for you, and their training will also be delayed.

Be respectful of your coach

Do not chat or shout when your coach is giving instructions.

Share with fellow swimmers

For training, you need kickboards, fins, paddles, and energy drinks. Keep them on the pool deck so that it is easily accessible to you, and doesn’t get in the way of other people. Always pass your fellow trainees’ swim equipment when they need it.

Lane etiquette for lap training

1. Choosing your lane – Choose a lane that has swimmers who swim at the same pace as you. In case you are not sure which you should swim in, wait for your swim coach to allocate your swimming lane.
2. Wait for your turn – Swimmers should enter the pool one by one in a lane. You should start five seconds after the previous swimmer has pushed off the wall. Be respectful of others’ abilities and give them enough space.
3. Follow the direction of other swimmers – Stick to one side of the pool while swimming. Usually, swimmers travel on the left side of the lane, similar to cars moving in different directions on the road.
4. Lead – You should always swim in order of speed. This can change based on swim stroke or drill. Be mindful, so that you do not create problems for other swimmers behind you. Always keep pace with the rest of your lane members. This ensures a safe distance between the swimmers.
5. Overtaking – If you are swimming faster than the person in front of you, make sure you tap on their feet to let them know you will overtake them. If you are being overtaken, and you see someone coming up from behind you, stop to let them go ahead. Do not try to compete with them and maintain your lead. It will cause problems for the other swimmers and will make it difficult in terms of space.
6. Breastroke and Butterfly- In these strokes, your arms and legs are likely to hit the other swimmers. Be careful in them, and make sure to swim as close to the lane as possible. Try timing your strokes accordingly.
7. Flip turns – While swimming, it’s important to stay on your side of the lane to avoid collisions with other swimmers. When approaching the wall for a swimming flip turn, make sure you do not hurt and cross into another swimmer’s space.
8. Finish – Even if you are done with your set and waiting for the next workout set, you should be at the side of the lane. Be aware of the other swimmers who are still continuing with their sets.

Must-Have Pool Etiquette

Once you have chosen your swimming pool for training, there are some standard rules and regulations that every swimmer should follow to keep the public swimming pool a safe and happy place.

• Wear swimming attire, not regular clothes for swimming. For girls, this is a one-piece swimsuit, and for boys, swimming trunks.
• Shower before you enter the pool. Do not use creams or lotions just before entering the pool.
• Small children should walk and not run around the swimming pool. Make sure they are accompanied by an adult if they are not confident in swimming, or if they are in the deep end.
• Put on a swimming cap at all times, especially if you have long hair.
• Do not spit swimming pool water or blow your nose out into the pool. Always do it on the grills.
• People with open cuts, wounds, and injuries, skin diseases should not be allowed to swim.
• People with cold, cough, fever and stomach problems must not be allowed to swim.
• Safety equipment and pool instruments should not be played or tampered with. This includes the lifeguard chair, lifebuoys, lane lines, and other equipment your swimming pool provides.
• Do not litter around the pool. 
• Do not dive from the shallow end of the pool.
• Toddlers should be wearing swim-proof diapers while in water.
• Animals and pets should not be permitted inside the pool.

By following these rules and etiquette, you ensure everyone has a pleasant experience at the pool.