In order to achieve our individual and group goals, it is important to respect the basics of swimming workout etiquette:
Help set the pool up for workouts. Put in lane-ropes, get out the kickboards, pull- buoys, etc.
Arrive on time. If you are late, start the workout at the same point the rest of the swimmers in your lane have reached.
Swim in a circle within each lane, staying off the centre line. Usually, alternate lanes swim clockwise and counter-clockwise. Thus, the swimmers in a neighbouring lane will be travelling in the same direction as yourself when they are next to you, which helps reduce collisions. (The people swimming toward you, of course, will be your own lane-mates.)
Within a lane, swimmers should arrange themselves for each set with the fastest swimmer leading and the slowest at the back. It is the lead swimmer's responsibility to ensure that the lane keeps to the pace time. When the lead swimmer finishes the set, everyone has finished the set (even if it means some don’t get to swim the last 50 metres).
Avoid drafting! Allow at least 5 seconds between yourself and the swimmer ahead of you when swimming repeats, i.e. push off a full 5 seconds after.
If you need to pass another swimmer (especially in a distance set, e.g. 400m or more), touch the toes of the swimmer (once!) as a signal that you wish to pass. The swimmer ahead should pause at the wall and allow you to pass. (Corollary: the next time your lane does a similar set, consider volunteering to lead.)
As you approach the wall for a turn, cautiously ease over so that you can push off in a straight line.
“Incoming traffic” has the right-of-way. When resting at the end of the pool, move to the side of the lane so that others may turn freely or finish their repeat without fear of injuring you or themselves.
Swim the workout as directed. Don't initiate your own workout unless others in your lane and the coach agree. If you cannot swim the workout as the rest of your lane is doing, adapt yourself to the lane. Swim ahead or behind, or move to another lane!
When the coach speaks, listen! If you don’t understand, ask for clarification.
Help the coach orientate new members.
At the end of the workout, help put away the flutterboards, etc.
