Everyone here on the boards has way more experience than I do, so I'm looking for advice on how you handle rudeness in the pool.
It seems like the summer has taken its toll on me with the number of rude people of all stripes who've been sharing my rec center pool. It's gotten to the point where it's sapped my enjoyment, and I have at times thought about giving up the sport entirely because it's just too much hassle to come home feeling like I've been byatch slapped, run into, pushed against the ropes, told no to lane sharing, and insulted about the way I look in a bathing suit.
Yes, I'm too sensitive, that's a fact, but I'm a writer and an artist, so it kind of comes with the territory. I try to shrug these things off, but I get out of the pool depressed and replay incidents in my head. I'm starting to wonder if it's worth it. What's supposed to be a nice, relaxing, healthy form of exercise has, over the summer, become something I dread. The lifeguards aren't much help - they don't see most of what's going on in the lap lanes because they're busy watching the kids. I can't count on them to step in. :badday: So I'd like to know if any of you experienced swimmers have dealt with this turning point, and how you kept going.
Two problems with slow, medium, fast breakdown is 1) speed is all relative and 2) if there is an opening in a slow lane, people get bent out of shape if a fast person gets in which is dumb.
Also, I believe faster people are better to swim with as they are not oblivious. I start planning on sharing (swimming against one lane line). I also enforce sharing. I once swam where a lady refused to share and kept swimming in the middle. People kept getting in and soon after, getting out. All the other lanes were full. Me, being the swell guy I am, offered the next person up to take my spot and make the "nice" lady share. I took one side and ran into her a few times, she cursed at me a few times in chinese and got out.
Lifeguards are generally worthless as they are teenagers and are there primarily to work on their tan. They constantly "see" thunder cutting swims short and are no good/apathetic at conflict resolution. Good luck.
Two problems with slow, medium, fast breakdown is 1) speed is all relative and 2) if there is an opening in a slow lane, people get bent out of shape if a fast person gets in which is dumb.
Also, I believe faster people are better to swim with as they are not oblivious. I start planning on sharing (swimming against one lane line). I also enforce sharing. I once swam where a lady refused to share and kept swimming in the middle. People kept getting in and soon after, getting out. All the other lanes were full. Me, being the swell guy I am, offered the next person up to take my spot and make the "nice" lady share. I took one side and ran into her a few times, she cursed at me a few times in chinese and got out.
Lifeguards are generally worthless as they are teenagers and are there primarily to work on their tan. They constantly "see" thunder cutting swims short and are no good/apathetic at conflict resolution. Good luck.
