wherever life takes me: How to//

So here goes the continued quest of posting something everyday in May!

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)
Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

...so this was a challenge for me because I don't really ever write "how-to's" or "DIY" posts at all, so I had to search in my brain for ideas. What do I know like the back of my hand and inside out?...Swimming, water, Lifeguarding...CPR...So here ya go; lap swimming etiquette!

1) Choose the lane with swimmer that look the most like what you are interested in doing to work out in the pool; if you plan on aqua-jogging to jump into a lane with swimmers swimming laps, if you know all the competitive strokes and plan on getting a work out in-don't get in with swimmers that are doing side stroke!

2) HOWEVER, if you're coming to the pool during a busy time of day, assume you're going to have to share the lanes. You don't pay to have a lane to yourself, so buck up and share. No one likes swimmers who mean-mug them getting into their lane, and hopefully they'll be pleasantly surprised because you observed rule number 1!

3) If you're not sure of the schedule, or are new to a pool ask the lifeguard! They usually will know what lanes are used or reserved for various activities. They also know who has been swimming for a while, who the regulars are, and which swimmers aren't going to last very long.

4) Once you've decided to get in always get in on the right side of the lane and stay out of the way of the middle of the lane. If there is a swimmer already swimming wait until they stop to clarify how you're sharing. Assume you'll have to "circle swim", swim down on the right, back on the right (like you're driving!). If there's two of you splitting a lane is okay where each of you take a side. Regardless if you're taking a break on the wall stay out of the way! Otherwise the other swimmers can have every right to flip-turn right on top of you.

Those are the biggest things I think in working out in the lap lanes at a pool. Most people appreciate if you mind your own business and don't get in the way of their workout, because then they'll do their best to get out of the way. Being polite and accommodating is always the best policy! I've seen a lot of situations at the pool escalate because people just weren't very nice, which then makes for a very grumpy lifeguard!