This would not be good for us backstrokers. If you are careful and fallow safety rules I don't see a big problem with doing backstroke. The only time I have had a problem with swimming backstroke and running into someone is when that person swam into my lane and shouldn't of been there or should have been a little more careful.:(
Thank heavens- they should have done that ages ago... I've had more run-ins, literally, whilst swimming in the UK (people doing an imitation of backstroke, who couldn't swim straight)... Actually, the pool I used (swiss cottage), had several lanes, one of which was reserved for free only. That helped somewhat...
I have just recently started integrating backstroke into my workouts - and I must admit I do not swim the stroke straight all the time. But it is a matter of using your head - I only swim it when I have a lane to myself. At least until I can swim it straight consistently. I actually think there are several swimmers at my Y who follow that same logic.
It can be pretty difficult to swim backstroke in a public pool- I generally wouldn't do it unless I have the lane to myself.
No slur against a normal fitness or masters swimmer- some of the pools (in London, anyway), can be really FUNKY, and the people (generally, not always) or often REALLY poor swimmers. the lanes are really narrow and there isnt enough room usually to swim normally. So add a (well-meaning) swimmer, who can barely swim one length, trying to do backstroke because they can't breathe properly swimming freestyle, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Originally posted by Leonard Jansen
Thank God someone finally realizes the danger...
news.com.au/.../0,4057,9047017^1702,00.html
-LBJ
That's cuz you guys swim on the wrong side of the road! ;)
I can't beleive as swimmers all of you are O.K. with this. If my Y would disallow backstroke I think I would have a fit. What about all of the other dangers in the pool? Like diving. Even the best of swimmers can have an accident while diving. I pesonally know of two people who are paralized from pool accidents. If we do away with everything that can be a potential hazard then you pretty much have to do away with the pool. I can keep on going with accidents that can happen in the pool that would have nothing to do with backstroke.:mad:
THEY DIDN'T BAN IT ALL TOGETHER!!! They only said you can't do it durning peak times. I for one don't have a problem swimming straight. It's the people that lesiure around that can't figure out the straight line. Though I do get confused when there isn't a straight line to follow on the celing. Gees people can't even swim forward straight.
Kel,
