Pool Etiquette 101

I was minding my own business just doing my aqua jogging after a session on the bike and then the elliptical trainer. What did I get? A face and head full of water. So much for trying to keep the hair dry.

Now I understand I was in a pool with a lot of H2O, but what I don't understand is how the two different males who occupied the other half of the "slow/aqua jogging" lane during my 25 minute jogging session managed to splash like they were being chased by sharks while doing the simple freestyle stroke. I'm no Michael Phelps and I wasn't ever on a swim team, but I did take a "learning to lap swim" class for two terms in college so I'd feel confident about slipping into the pool for some laps.

That was by far one of the most valuable classes I took during the four years of college, besides a little class called "info hell" in which journalism majors learned to research, check facts and sources and write concisely. Bottom line, like drivers and cyclists don't always understand each other's common rules, aqua joggers and lap swimmers don't always see eye to eye. Mind your wake and beware of us runners who are trying to get off the injured list. As both a jogger and a lapper, when I do pull the cap and goggles on, I'll be sure to keep the splash neat and tidy.

Comments

Amber said…
Usually if they're splashing that much it means they're not doing the stroke properly. A guy comes to the master's swim program that I'm in and does swims like that and if I happen to be taking a breath as I pass him I'll get a mouth full of water and almost choke. Ugh!
Anonymous said…
I am definitely Not a swimmer (well, not the "exercise" swimmer type). Although I would love to have that option on a 'cross training' day. I love that you explore all the options - even if you do get splashed in the process. :)
Anonymous said…
You were a journalism major? Wow, I could use some of that expertise. My job keeps pushing me to do more and more reporting. I'm a lawyer first, an editor second, I tell them; "legal reporting" is not a natural third step. And yet, alas.

I was never on swim team, either, and while I'm fairly proficient in a lane, I'm always so self-conscious that I try to seem as inconspicuous as possible. I usually shy from swimming because of it. No splashing allowed!

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