Archive: July 2011

Summertime at the club is in full swing, and that means the pool is the place to be. With temperatures soaring, especially last week, the pool is a busy place, but given that it’s so large, there is plenty of space for everyone.

That said, if your workout involves swimming laps, a little sharing is in order.

Listen up, lap swimmers.

Aquatics Director Tim Auerhahn is taking you to Pool School.

Here are Tim’s Lap Swimming Etiquette Tips.

Having your own lane in a lap pool is a luxury, but not a guarantee. Often times (and the majority of the time if you swim during peak hours), you’re going to have to share a lane with a fellow member.

Swimmers are a community. We coach each other on stroke mechanics, loan our extra set of goggles, and even clip our toe nails before we breast stroke. Our participation as a group contributes to the decision to keep the Midtown pool open in April and in October.

With that in mind, here’s a list of diplomatic guidelines to help us all get the most out of our pool this summer.

Starting Your Workout

1. If there’s a free lane, take it. If not, pick a lane with a similar lap swimmer or consult the lifeguard for a recommendation on whose lane you should join. They often know who is starting and finishing, and who is moving quickly and who is moving more slowly.

2. Sit on the wall with your feet in the water and wait for the swimmer to take a break. Most swimmers will stop and welcome you into the lane.

3. Drop into the lane while your fellow swimmer is in rest, or away from the wall. In other words, don’t drop in on top of a swimmer mid-flip-turn.

4. If your lap-lane partner doesn’t stop, don’t take it as a personal insult. He or she is probably mid-set. At least the swimmer knows you’ve entered the lane respectfully. Per lap swim etiquette, you’re now free to start your workout.

Lap Sharing Logistics

5. Got the lap lane to yourself? Congrats. Be welcoming if someone decides to join you.

6. Pairing up? You’ve got two options. Split the lane down the middle or begin to circle-swim. Discuss this with your fellow lapper.

7. Three’s a crowd? Well, not really. Just check out a YMCA pool. With three or more it’s time to circle swim. When you take a break mid-set make sure you’re not on the T, and stick close to the lane line so everyone can work their turns properly.

Funny Situations

8. The Butterfly Effect – Making big waves, using big strokes, and doing anything besides Back, Breast, or Crawl is considered a nuisance. Make sure you’re talking with anyone in your lane before you do anything that’s going to affect his/her workout.

9. Here to Help? – Don’t mistake lifeguards for your personal pool concierges. Although they’re able to make suggestions on which lane to pick, it’s not in their primary duties to count your laps. Use them if necessary, but remember that they’re here to guard.

10. Not so Fast! – Water walking, aqua jogging, and just plain slow swimming can be a great workout. We just ask that you stick to our West (building side) lane if you’re coming during peak times.

11. The Waiting Game – Can’t bring yourself to share? You’re more than welcome to wait for a lap lane all to yourself. Just remember, this isn’t guaranteed. Once you get your own spot, there is nothing wrong with someone coming to share with you. Play nice.

A discussion on our Facebook page last week resulted in some interesting member feedback. I asked what kind of information you would like to see featured. Among other suggestions, many members mentioned healthy eating tips and recipes, staff profiles, and member success stories.

The club puts a high value on input from members, and as a result, you’ll soon see many of your suggestions included in our daily social media output.MORE