You know how to practice good manners on the phone, at the table, and at the store, but what about in the pool? Recently, Denver Masters swimmers spoke out about what bugs them at practice, and explained how to avoid being an inconsiderate lane-mate.
No Passing Zone: Dara Wong, a swimmer for the DU Aquaholics, said that one of her pet peeves is "when people who are not as fast won't let you pass in front of them, or won't let you go ahead of them from the wall." Instead: Make sure to let faster swimmers go ahead. If someone touches your feet while swimming, pull to the side of the lane to let them pass.
Tailgaters: Alicia Jensen, also a DU Aquaholics swimmer, said that her biggest pet peeve is when she offers to let people go ahead of her and they refuse, but continue to stay on her toes. Instead: Go ahead of another swimmer if you are following too closely, or allow more time when leaving from the wall.
Unaware Lane-Mates: Wong explained that once during a practice, she stopped on the wall and a careless teammate did a flip-turn right over her. Wong was injured, but her team mate didn't even notice. Instead: If you are approaching the wall where another swimmer is resting, try to move to the other side of the lane to do your turn. If you do accidentally run in to someone, stop and see if they've been hurt.
Other top pet peeves include leaving too early for a set, blocking the wall so other people can't swim in, and taking too many breaks. With so many swimmers packed in the pool, it's easy to get in each other's way. Be a considerate lane-mate by constantly being aware of those around you.
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