Lane Etiquette

For Starters, Which Lane do I Choose?

If a lane is empty, you may enter that lane and swim.

What if All the Lanes Have Swimmers in them?

If all lanes have swimmers in them, ask someone if you may join them. Don't enter the lane until they know you will be joining them.

When There are Only 2 Swimmers in a Lane

Ask the other swimmer if they prefer to Split the lane or Circle Swim.

Splitting the lane is when each swimmer stays on one side of the center line.

Circle swimming is a lot like driving; stay to the right of the center line.

If There are More than 2 Swimmers in a Lane, You Must Circle Swim

The fastest swimmer in the lane goes first, followed by the 2nd fastest and so forth. The following swimmers should start 5 to 10 sec behind the swimmer in front of them.
If you need to stop and rest, don’t stop until you reach the wall to avoid pileups. Then stay to the outside of the lane and rest next to the lane line. Never rest in the middle because someone may be coming up behind you looking to make their turn.
If you need to pass a slower swimmer in front of you, gently tap them on their foot to let them know you want to pass. At the next wall, the front swimmer goes to the resting area next to the lane lines and allows the following swimmer to complete their turn. When safe, the swimmer who was just passed may then continue their swim. Never pass mid-lane, Saddlebrooke Swim Club frowns on Head-On collisions.

Communicate with your Lane Mates

Simply talking to your lane mates about who should go first or what type of stroke each of you are going to swim will help keep peace and harmony in your lane.

Oh, and NEVER dive into a lane with swimmers in it. Instead, sit on the side and gently lower yourself into the water.