Swimming Etiquette
Swimming can be an enjoyable recreation and also a beneficial exercise. As with any shared public space, there are usually rules put in place that we need to follow when in a community pool.
As much as not all pools enforce the “shower before you enter the pool” rule, getting into the shower and washing off perspiration, lotion, sunscreen and who knows what before getting into the water, and also after using the washroom, shows respect to our fellow swimmers. Also, showering before we enter the pool benefits us by saturating our skin with water that is low in chlorine so as to prevent the over absorption of higher chlorine water once we enter the pool.
Most change rooms are open stalls which might not necessarily provide the privacy that some prefer. Using a bathroom or shower stall to change in is not prohibited unless someone needs it for the purpose it’s intended. Of course, respecting others’ privacy can contribute to their positive experience at the pool.
Don’t forget to bring a lock in case the lockers have no self-locking design.
Using any device capable of taking photos or videos in washrooms, change rooms, showers and pool areas is always prohibited. It might be tempting to want to take a photo of the trendiest swimsuit to share with friends, yet it still doesn’t make it right. Even checking your messages can be seen as suspect by others. It’s best to wait until you have left the pool and change areas before checking your device.
To avoid any disappointments, before heading out to a community pool, check that there’s some water time available as some pools allot times to seniors, youth programs and swim teams.
We also need to familiarize ourselves with lap swimming etiquette. Usually, lap swimming lanes are divided into slow, medium and fast. Knowing and being realistic as to where one fits in is respectful to others. This also applies to keeping within the shallow part of the pool for new swimmers until ready to advance to the deeper water.
When joining a lane, slowly enter into the water and wait until all the swimmers have noticed your presence before you start swimming. If a swimmer behind is catching up, when we get to the end of the lane, we need to stop and let them pass. It’s poor etiquette to try and speed up as this might slow down a fast swimmer. This could be likened to speeding up when a vehicle behind us is attempting to pass.
Keeping a good space between us and the swimmer ahead is always good practice. I try and maintain at least the distance equivalent to my height measurement. Diving into a lane is not advisable unless during competitive swim practice and under the supervision of an instructor.
Resting or chatting with fellow swimmers is best done on the sides of the pool so as not to obstruct the lane swimmers.
Pay close attention to the lifeguard’s instructions.
Happy swimming!
