Sounds simple, right? It is, if everyone cooperates.
When overtaking someone in your lane (presuming freestyle is being swum), tap their foot on one stroke so they will not be surprised to see you so close behind. Wait for a couple of strokes to find out what they intend to do and pass accordingly.
Tap the foot. That is the signal that you want to pass. Surprise is unwelcome in most practice lanes.
When swimming in a lane with others and someone taps your foot, that means they want to pass. It doesn't mean they want to race. It doesn't mean they want to talk or fight. They are overtaking you in a swim and want to continue their pace with the least amount of consternation on anyone's part. If your foot gets tapped, there are exactly two appropriate ways to respond. #1- if you are swimming long course and have been tapped in the middle of the pool, slow down a little and move to the right, hugging the lane line. The passing party will be by in a moment and you will be able to continue apace, both satisfied that no meaningful time was lost in the exchange. #2 - if you are in short course lanes, swim to the end of the lane as far right as possible, grabbing the wall for an open turn. This will give the overtaking swimmer plenty of room to pass on the left and you will be able to draft off of him for a little while.
When your foot is tapped, it is not a signal to speed up. There are no swimmers alive that have never been passed in workout. I occasionally will be passed and do the passing in the same workout. It is not a point of honor, it is workout. It is not a signal to stop. All that accomplishes is to mess up both swimmers' workouts and clog up a lane for other swimmers.
You are not alone in the lane, don't act like you are. If your lane mates all want you to go first, don't waste time being demure, even if you know they are faster. Just go and make them pass you a few times and the lane order will even out. Talk to one another (only when the coach is not talking) to decide how passing will be done and everyone is happy.
If someone taps too hard and pushes my foot out of its position it can severely hurt me. I'm not even allowed to jump in the pool now for what it does to my foot.
I agree. I severely sprained my ankle 2 years ago, and it is still extremely sensitive to anything unusual. And yes, even what some may consider a slight tap can inflame a sprained ankle.
I can't even remember the last time I had to deal with tapping, but some people will do an ankle touch to stop me (if warm-up is over, if I'm in a set and the coach wants me, etc)...and that is far worse.
As for passing, if you are circle swimming during workout, and you're not blind, I think most people have an idea how close they are to those in front and those behind. If the person behind me is too close, I'll pull into a corner at the next wall and let them pass. If I'm too close to the person in front, I'll either slow down, or at the next break ask if I can go ahead.
If someone taps too hard and pushes my foot out of its position it can severely hurt me. I'm not even allowed to jump in the pool now for what it does to my foot.
I agree. I severely sprained my ankle 2 years ago, and it is still extremely sensitive to anything unusual. And yes, even what some may consider a slight tap can inflame a sprained ankle.
I can't even remember the last time I had to deal with tapping, but some people will do an ankle touch to stop me (if warm-up is over, if I'm in a set and the coach wants me, etc)...and that is far worse.
As for passing, if you are circle swimming during workout, and you're not blind, I think most people have an idea how close they are to those in front and those behind. If the person behind me is too close, I'll pull into a corner at the next wall and let them pass. If I'm too close to the person in front, I'll either slow down, or at the next break ask if I can go ahead.
