Lap Swim Guidelines

Lap Members range in their abilities and fitness levels, from beginners to serious competitive swimmers. Please follow these guidelines in order to make your workouts safer and more pleasurable for all swimmers.


Requirements for Lap Lane Usage

  1. Swimmer must consistently move down and back in a lane.
  2. Swim American Red Cross Level 5. (WSI may test swimmer.)
  3. Designated Lap Wristbands.
  4. Circle Swim Allowed. Maximum 3.
  5. Lifeguard will assist placing members.
  6. Before entering lane, inform the other swimmer(s) in the lane.

  Guidelines:

  • During busy times, ask the lifeguard where to swim. They are here to enforce safety.
  • Notify the swimmer(s) you are entering the lane.
  • If there are 3 swimmers in a lane, swimmers must swim in a circular pattern.
  • If you prefer not to circle swim, please have a seat on bench until a swimmer is out of the lane. Lifeguard will assist in the order swimmers arrived.
  • If circular swimming, keep to the right side of the lane.
  • Slower swimmers must yield to the faster swimmers in the lane.
  • Passing- Pass on the left, as if you are driving. If you are uncomfortable with someone passing you, it is best to stop at the wall to allow the faster swimmer to pass you.
  • If you need to stop, squeeze into the corner to the right of oncoming swimmers, so they will have sufficient room to turn.
  • At all times be aware of what is going on within your lane.

Lane Designations

In our pools, lanes are designated as slow, medium or fast. If lanes have not been designated, please observe the level of ability of the swimmers in the lane that you are about to enter. Try to stay in the lane with swimmers of similar abilities and speed. This is especially important when there are more than two swimmers in a lane and there is a circular movement pattern within the lane.

Entering a Lane

Pick a lane compatible with your speed. Notify the swimmers that you are entering the lane. Please don’t dive, jump or push off into the oncoming swimmers. Please don’t assume the swimmers have seen you without their acknowledgment and when swimming, please take the time to acknowledge the new swimmers.

Swimming Pattern

If there are only two swimmers in a lane, the swimmers may choose to split a lane where each swimmer keeps to their own side of the lane. You may also choose to swim in a circular pattern. Whatever you choose, please make sure that the other swimmer(s) in your lane are aware of it.

If there are three or more swimmers in a lane, swimmers must swim in a circular pattern. Keep to the right side of the lane, much in the way you would if you were driving on the street. Please be aware of veering too far into the middle of the lane. The swimmers coming from the opposite direction are not likely to see you and can collide with you; the middle of the lane needs to be clear for passing.

Speed

At the beginning of each set, determine the order of speed among people in your lane and leave the wall in that order. Please remember that your and other people’s speed changes if using equipment (paddles, fins or drag devices) and adjust the order within your lane to accommodate this.

General Etiquette

At all times, be aware of what is going on within your lane. Try not to kick or swing your arms into another lane while swimming or at the wall. If a person in your lane appears unsure of the rules, please explain in a polite manner.

The Aquatic Staff reserves the right to enforce any rule/policy/requirement necessary to maintain the health and safety of all patrons.