Comments on How to Practice Etiquette at Public Pools

Keep your pets out of the swimming pool! Yes, it has been done and it's a very good way to make neighbors mad at you.

Parents, lifeguards are not babysitters. When we have 500 other persons in our areas, it is difficult to see every person. Also, if a lifeguard asks you not to do something, please listen. Again, parents, watch your children. Parents who do not watch their children give lifeguards a heart attack. When we enforce a rule, please understand that we didn't make the rule, we are just there to enforce it. We get yelled at by angry patrons about 10 times a day, so think about if you were in our shoes before you yell at a lifeguard.

Another option (rather than circle swimming) is if you are in a lane with only one other person, split the lane down the middle so one person is on the left and the other is on the right. This way if you are going at different speeds you won't interfere with each other. Obviously this only works for two people sharing a lane.

Another option (rather than circle swimming) is if you are in a lane with only one other person, split the lane down the middle so one person is on the left and the other is on the right. This way if you are going at different speeds you won't interfere with each other. Obviously this only works for two people sharing a lane.

Do not, I repeat, do NOT stare at women.

Don't jump in the pool, or push off on a backstroke length, without making very sure you're not going to crash into someone (or just scare the living daylights out of them!)

If your pool provides toys to play with in the water such as little plastic floaty balls, diving rings (those rings that sink slowly and you dive down to get them), watering cans, noodles, etc., do not hog them (and discourage your kids from hogging them). I'm a kid, and I personally think that the parents are being rude and irresponsible if their children are taking all the toys.

Water Wings are not good for kids. They restrict arm movement and doesnt teach them proper technique for swimming. Float belts or lifejackets are better options.

Refrain from yelling and high-pitched screams. Steer clear from words like HELP! unless you really need emergency help. Follow commands given by the lifeguard the first time they are given. Make the job of a lifeguard a little easier!

Swim counter-clockwise so you don't crash into people. If someone taps your foot from behind, let them pass you.

If you're on a swim team you shouldn't change into your clothes in a bathroom stall. This prevents other swimmers from using it.

Be open to sharing your lane, particularly during busy lap times. Consider a circle swim (swimming in a counter clockwise direction), with people of similar speeds, of course.

If you're on a swim team you shouldn't change into your clothes in a bathroom stall. This prevents other swimmers from using it.

Refrain from yelling and high-pitched screams. Steer clear from words like HELP! unless you really need emergency help. Follow commands given by the lifeguard the first time they are given. Make the job of a lifeguard a little easier!

Water Wings are not good for kids. They restrict arm movement and doesnt teach them proper technique for swimming. Float belts or lifejackets are better options.

Please decide what you're going to purchase before it's your turn in line for the vending machine or concession stand. There is nothing more annoying than standing behind someone on a scorching hot day who must ask the person behind the counter to read off everything on the menu, and then hollers for his wife so he knows what the kids want, and then realizes that he doesn't have enough cash on him to pay for it. This is why they post the menu, so you can read it! Figure out what you are going to buy, and make sure you have enough money before you get in line!!

Make sure the other swimmers already in the lane know you are getting in. Swimmers need to know who else is swimming with them so they can time their turns and swims. Also, it's a matter of safety.