POOL LANE ETIQUETTE

Pick a lane to suit your ability (or ask the coach). Jump in, no diving.

Choose the correct position in your lane. Normally the fastest swimmer leads; this will vary with different strokes.

Wait 5 seconds, or for the feet of the swimmer in front to reach the flags, before you push off to reduce irritating drafting and allow space for turning.

Swim on the left hand side of the lane. Be aware of other swimmers and their abilities. If the swimmer behind is catching you, or taps your feet, pause at the end of the lap and let them pass at the turn.

Don’t overtake in the middle of a lap; it’s dangerous! As you finish at the wall (on the left -hand side of the lane), check for swimmers about to push off , then move quickly across to your right, forming a line along the lane rope at least a metre apart. This lets swimmers behind you finish their lap.

Before you push off at the start be aware of swimmers who can’t hear you or have fogged goggles and can’t see you.

Don’t wear watches, rings or hard objects that may cause injury.

Lastly, always listen to your coach!