How to Share a Lane When Swimming Laps

Diving into a pool and swimming laps is a great way to escape from your busy day and get a great workout. However, there are those times when your workout is encroached upon by others looking for the same escape. Learning to share a lane and following proper lane sharing etiquette allows you to enjoy swimming laps, even on a busy day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick a side of the lane when only two people are sharing a lane. Stay on your side of the lane at all times to avoid collisions.
2. Start to circle swim if there are more than two people sharing a lane. Circle swimming is when everyone in the lane swims one after the other, hugging the right side of the lane at all times.
3. Choose a lane according to the skill level and speed of the other swimmers. Expert swimmers and beginner swimmers should choose different lanes in order to get the workout that is best for both.
4. Allow swimmers to pass you when necessary. Stop at the wall and let the swimmer behind you pass or keep your pace and allow them pass you on your left.
5. Move to the side of the lane or sit on the side of the pool when you need to take a break. The other swimmers in your lane must be able to continue swimming and turning without interruption.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is necessary for you to circle swim, arrange the swimmers in order from fastest to slowest.
• Always choose an empty lane if space is available.
• Always let swimmers know when you are joining their lane to avoid a possible collision.