Pool Swimwear Guidance

Please take time to read our swimwear guidance document, available here.

Lane Swim Etiquette

Help us to help you enjoy your swim, take time to read our Lane Swim Etiquette.

By following these rules, we can keep everything flowing smoothly in each lane and improve everyone’s experience:

• Are you in the right lane? – before you get in, have a look at the speed of the swimmers in the lane and pick a lane that is of a similar speed to you.
• Swim in the right direction – check which direction the lane is moving, clockwise or anti-clockwise boards will be displayed at the end of the lanes.
• Don’t be offended – the lifeguards may ask you to change lanes if you are slower or faster than the rest of the swimmers in the lane.
• Stay tucked in – swim next to the ropes and leave the centre of the lane clear as this allows room for other swimmers to overtake.
• Let faster swimmer’s pass – wait until you reach the end of the pool, pull to the side and let all the faster swimmers behind past before continuing to swim.
• Let faster swimmers start first – don’t start swimming in front of faster swimmers, let them all past before you begin. If you are being regularly passed, then you might want to consider moving into a slower lane.
• Allow space between swimmers – Wait 5 seconds before setting off so there is a gap between you and the swimmer in front. Do not ride the feet of the swimmer in front of you if they are going slower.
• Overtaking – be considerate, leave plenty of space, overtake in the centre of the lane and then pull back in next to the rope to allow others to pass if needed, or pass at the wall when the swimmer in front pulls in.
• Resting – stop at the end of the lane and move as far to the side of the lane as possible to make sure you don’t get in the way of continuous swimmers
• Swim aids – fins and hard plastic paddles are not permitted when there are other swimmers in the lane. Webbed gloves, floats and pull buoys are allowed, just consider your change in speed and lane choice.
• Drinks – You may wish to rehydrate, so you can bring a bottle of water with you, but no glass bottles or sugary drinks.
• Ask for help – if something can be done to improve your experience, please speak to a lifeguard