Lap Swimming

Lap swimming is an excellent workout for everyone from the aquatic enthusiast to the occasional swimmer. The aquatics staff encourages individuals to keep fit by swimming, so we reserve a portion of each pool for lap swimming. In addition, one lap lane is dedicated to swimming laps during general swim hours. Swimmers must be able to swim the full length of the pool continuously without support. 

Sometimes other activities will limit the number of lanes available for lap swimming. At those times, circle swimming is encouraged. There can be as many as six swimmers in a 25-yard lane. Please observe lap swimming etiquette to maintain order and safety. Be cool, share the pool. 

Lap Swim Etiquette

Rule 1. Never get in an occupied lane if another is empty.

Rule 2: Never get into an occupied land without letting the person/people already swimming know you are entering. Do this by dangling your legs into the water or standing to the side at the end of the lane when they are turning.

Rule 3: If there is only one other person in the lane, the lane can be split with each person taking half the lane. But you *must* explicitly agree this. Otherwise assume lane/circle swimming.

Rule 4: Once a third person joins, circle swimming must start. Make sure both people know you are joining.

Rule 5: Circle swimming is dictated by the fastest person present, not the slowest, biggest, or first in. Take note of the swimmer’s speeds before you enter. Direction is often pool specific. Check for direction signs or ask.

Rule 6: Do NOT turn or push off in front of faster swimmers. Faster swimmers should allow slower swimmers as much time as possible before starting.

Rule 7: Tap feet to pass. The person whose feet are being tapped moves out of the way to the corner at the lane end. Do NOT speed up if you are being passed.

Rule 8: The slower swimmer in front must move to the side of the lane end to allow faster swimmers to pass. Allow them to turn at the center of the lane wall. if there is more than one, allow all faster swimmers behind you to pass.

Rule 9: Do NOT start swimming immediately behind another swimmer. They will not know you are there when they are turning.

Rule 10: Swimmers resting at lane end should stay as far to the side of the lane as possible.

Rule 11: If the lane has a few swimmers doing long-axis strokes (front crawl, back stroke) do NOT do short axis strokes (Breastroke, ‘fly)

Rule 12: Be polite. Communicate.