Chicago Smelts - Lane Etiquette

Although swimming is a solitary sport, practicing in a pool with 30 or more other swimmers entails observation of good lane etiquette. New and returning swimmers alike are encouraged to do the following:

1. Arrive on time – it is difficult for the lanes to accommodate latecomers in the midst of some sets, and it is frustrating for the coach to have to adjust the practice partway through to fit a bigger crowd.
2. Shower before entering the pool.
3. Know your speed – there is no shame is swimming in a slower lane if necessary. What lane you swim in should be determined by how fast everyone else at practice is that day. Know your speed and whether it fits with others in your lane. Arrange yourself in the lane from fastest to slowest.
4. If you catch the person in front of you, tap their foot to let them know you want to pass. The person in front should move to the side at the end of the lane and then rejoin the line after a suitable gap of time.
5. Leave five seconds apart during sets. The coaches will tell lanes if an adjustment is recommended.
6. The lanes move counter-clockwise. When doing turns, swim into the left side of the wall and push off straight out. In this way you will not cross the path of the person behind you.
7. Encouraging your lane mates is ALWAYS appropriate.

Anyone not observing proper etiquette will answer to Ruth and her spanking stick!