Please tell me that this kind of thing doesn't happen in the States!
This morning, before coming into work, I trained at the local pool in Kenilworth, England, - 25 metres, four lanes. Not brilliant facilities, but acceptable.
At the end of each lane there is a sign: lane 1- slow, lane 2 - slow, lane 3 -medium, lane 4 - fast. Why do some swimmers, who clearly have difficulty in keeping up, always want to swim in the fast lane? This morning one elderly man, joined the fast lane. He swam breaststroke (I think it was!) with his face out of the water, which was a feat in itself because he was swimming so slowly. There were six of us in the lane and three left the pool (myself included).
When on the deck I decided to time him. He was consistent. Every length of the 25m pool was swum in 2 mins 15 seconds!
Please tell me this kind of 'swimming etiquette' wouldn't be seen in your pool.
So that I can continue with my swimming I need to be reassured that this was a one-off. I'm still in shock.
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Former Member
I did not mean to guard bash or insinuate that I deserve my own lane or ....
I was simply trying to agree with earlier posts that people should swim with others of like ability. I don't understand the fast lane magnet. If there are people in all the lanes doesn't it make sense to get into one with someone who is more compatible? I feel bad when passing someone and knowing that I generate a big wake. Therefore I tend to swim with people who are more compatible if I am joining a lane. If someone joins me I am fine with that. I always swim on one side as an invitation to anyone who needs a place to swim. Just hop in and wait for me to come back. I'll stop and we can talk about who swims where. If we circle or split.
The instance that I am recalling that annoyed me is when the guard hit me on the head with something instead of saying something to me. This was not a kid it was an adult. If it was a high school guard it probably wouldn't have bothered me as much. None of the other lanes were doubled up and the woman looked almost terrified to be swimming with me. It appeared that the guard was assigning people to lanes. Which is fine, but the peoples' comfort/preference should be taken into account. Did she not like sharing a lane with me? Probably not. I was doing an IM workout and she was swimming breaststroke with her head out of the water at a fairly sedate pace. Also, she was swimming in the middle of the lane and I had to keep hitting the lane line with my body to not run into her or get kicked (I would have said something, but I was afraid to offend her or make her feel like I thought she didn't belong--which was not the case). It was not the most enjoyable time in the pool that day.
I have shared a lane with the little old ladies wearing the flower caps, with swimmers who are my speed, as well as ones who are faster.
I am not a lane hog or snob (or at least try not to be). I have a great deal of respect for all people who get in and make an effort.
I am sorry if my previous posts (or this one) made it seem that way.
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Former Member
I did not mean to guard bash or insinuate that I deserve my own lane or ....
I was simply trying to agree with earlier posts that people should swim with others of like ability. I don't understand the fast lane magnet. If there are people in all the lanes doesn't it make sense to get into one with someone who is more compatible? I feel bad when passing someone and knowing that I generate a big wake. Therefore I tend to swim with people who are more compatible if I am joining a lane. If someone joins me I am fine with that. I always swim on one side as an invitation to anyone who needs a place to swim. Just hop in and wait for me to come back. I'll stop and we can talk about who swims where. If we circle or split.
The instance that I am recalling that annoyed me is when the guard hit me on the head with something instead of saying something to me. This was not a kid it was an adult. If it was a high school guard it probably wouldn't have bothered me as much. None of the other lanes were doubled up and the woman looked almost terrified to be swimming with me. It appeared that the guard was assigning people to lanes. Which is fine, but the peoples' comfort/preference should be taken into account. Did she not like sharing a lane with me? Probably not. I was doing an IM workout and she was swimming breaststroke with her head out of the water at a fairly sedate pace. Also, she was swimming in the middle of the lane and I had to keep hitting the lane line with my body to not run into her or get kicked (I would have said something, but I was afraid to offend her or make her feel like I thought she didn't belong--which was not the case). It was not the most enjoyable time in the pool that day.
I have shared a lane with the little old ladies wearing the flower caps, with swimmers who are my speed, as well as ones who are faster.
I am not a lane hog or snob (or at least try not to be). I have a great deal of respect for all people who get in and make an effort.
I am sorry if my previous posts (or this one) made it seem that way.
