The lanes are getting busier and things would flow better if we agreed on some lane etiquette. A couple of things are generating a bit of discussion, so here’s a reminder for the old hands and guidance for others:
Turning:
Different swimmers approach the wall differently, which sometimes makes it tricky to avoid collisions, so…
Veer right as you approach the wall. Turn on the RHS of the lane and push off straight.
The out-going swimmer needs to know they can push off straight and hard without fear of collision, and it’s easier for the incoming swimmer to judge when to cross the lane.
This applies to all types of turn; flip turns, touch turns, stand-up-and-walk turns, etc.
Toe tapping:
Nobody minds an accidental touch on the feet from the swimmer behind, but continually being tapped on your feet is usually annoying, so…
Let’s agree that touching the next swimmer's toes generally means you are faster & should really go before them; kind of like saying “excuse me”.
If your toes are touched, stop in the LH corner at the end of the lane and let the following swimmer past. The person following can turn as above without interruption.
If someone stops to let you ahead, go ahead. If you didn’t mean it, swap back at the end of the swim.
Spacing:
To reduce unnecessary toe tapping, leave 3 – 5 seconds apart.
If you're faster but don't want to be in front, swim slower. Leaving a huge gap and swimming faster than everyone else makes it harder for the swimmers behind; perhaps go last.
Stopping:
If you stop at the end of the lane during a swim, keep to the left hand corner (as you approach the wall). Incoming swimmers will be veering right to make their turns.
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