r/Swimming • u/aknomnoms Moist • Jul 21 '26

Beginner question: pool etiquette?

I’m taking a beginner swim class and have gone to the pool at my gym to practice on my own. It’s only 3 lanes, and the first 2 times I went there was either no one or only 1-2 other people.

But all 3 lanes were full today and I got kind of “told off” for accidentally cutting in line to be next for a lane, and when I apologized and asked what the system was they didn’t give me an answer except “wait your turn”, and then I spent 40 minutes waiting but no one got out.

So, in general, what is pool etiquette when you show up and all the lanes are full?

  1. If all the lanes are busy, how do you let others know you’re waiting? And do you stake claim on one lane, or just take the next available?

  2. What’s a commonly accepted amount of time to continue using the lane, if you’re not sharing, when you know someone is waiting?

  3. In a gym setting, does it matter which lane I get in if lane sharing doesn’t seem to be a thing?

I appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Mods - this was edited to be broader in scope because you removed my earlier post saying it was too specific to my gym. Thanks.

36 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

95 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/random_LA_azn_dude Moist Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 22 '26

If there is one person in the lane, then you get their attention (waving your hand underwater in their view) and request to split the lane with them.

If there are two people already lane splitting, you will have to get both their attention and request switching to circle swimming (usually counterclockwise).

If people are already circle swimming at your pace (or close to your pace), then you can jump in when an opening appears and keep to a side to allow incoming swimmers space to push off the wall when they make their turn. Never jump in when another swimmer is coming to the wall.

For circle swimming, it is better to have everyone swimming close to the same pace as you. Most pools have signs indicating the speed of the swimmers in the lane. If any swimmers give you an attitude, then you will need to get the lifeguard or pool attendant involved. You have every right to swim in the facility as the other swimmers do.

1

u/Delicious_Yoghurt164 Jul 24 '26

I agree but also don't worry too much about flagging someone down to ask if it's just one person! I would be more annoyed by someone interrupting my flow than I would if they just jumped in and shared :)