Sometimes I see slow lap swimmers turn around quite a distance before they reach the end of the pool so that they can always continue without stop ahead of whoever has been waiting at the end to start. So the picture is like this: as they approach the end, see someone is about to start, right away they make a U-turn and swim back. Since they are slow (a faster swimmer should hardly cause any inconvenience), the person waiting would eventually catch up and have to pass him/her. So their turning around in the middle really does nothing but causing inconvenience for both others and themselves, and unnecessary potential for accidents. What do you think and what would you do in such cases?
Former Member
Push off behind catch up and tap their toes every stroke until the wall...then pass doing breaststroke while smiling at them...
Former Member
Push off behind catch up and tap their toes every stroke until the wall...then pass doing breaststroke while smiling at them...
And tell them, "Don't U-turn in the middle," which they'll ALWAYS hear as, "Don't YOU turn in the middle of the lane." This might, just might, intimidate them (enough). And if they accuse you of bullying "Don't YOU turn," you can always come back and say you were asking them not to U-turn.:bolt:
Geek could be right. My response was mostly speculation. I can't recall anyone actually pulling this trick on me. Now, people pushing off right before you get to the wall when they know you're a faster swimmer happens all the time and that's just plain poor etiquette.
A faster swimmer turning at the flags to pass a slower swimmer seems like fair game to me.
Is this on a team or open swimming? A team would not let this go on for long. Open laps are a different animal. Try to find a faster lane or talk with them. If this does not work do your workout & let them catch the hint by touching the toes foe every time they are slowing you!
There is one dude at the Y who will reverse circle swim when he sees people waiting simply to discourage entrants. I always jump in his lane when I see that.
I always assume anyone who jumps in my lane doesn't know how to lap swim or share a lane with another swimmer........I mean heck just look at the drivers on the roads today, and they had to pass a test before they could get on the roads!??!##*
I usually stop and come to some type of an agreement with my lane mate. I have found this is the best stress-free solution to the problem.
I have even become friends with some of these people. When they see me (after the 1st time) they jump right in w/me and know the program.
I look at swimming as a stress reducer; I don't want to create any waves that need not flow! :)
Former Member
It is not unsafe. It is the noble thing to do. They are getting out of your way.
More power to them.
Former Member
There is one dude at the Y who will reverse circle swim when he sees people waiting simply to discourage entrants. I always jump in his lane when I see that.
I think I swam with him once at the Y. He was swimming down the middle of the pool, a few people including myself came on to the deck, so he started swimming reverse circle. Most people didn't know what to do...I just jumped in his lane and went...I don't think he was too happy
Former Member
It is not unsafe. It is the noble thing to do. They are getting out of your way.
More power to them.
Are you one of those people that turn around instead of finishing at the wall?
Former Member
It is not unsafe. It is the noble thing to do. They are getting out of your way.
More power to them.
How are they getting out of the way when they are slower and are basically forcing you to pass or sit and tap their heels the entire length?
