I'm not sure why there is ownership of those lanes for non-swimmers, but there is. And snagging a lane for lap swimming can be intense on some days--some of those old guys don't want to let go of their lane.....not even to share it.
The pool is divided--3 lanes for lap swimmers, 2 or 3 are open for what I call the "bob-and-blab"--which is the old ladies floating on noodles and yakking. They think they are "working out", but in essence, they are really just bobbin' and blabbin'--hence the name.
And while that is a very nice social outing for the senior gals, they sorta plug up that part of the pool for the water-walkers--the people who don their gym shoes in the pool and walk back and forth. Or do weird things like jumping jacks in the pool or other mysterious under-water-limb-thingies.
I think that makes the old guys nuts, so they gravitate to the lap lanes, which are reserved for lap swimming, but they like to do their "laps" all floaty-like or with made-up swim strokes--strokes that I call "survival swimming".
Survival swimming is just that--it's when you are stranded out in the ocean because you fell off a cruise ship or your snokeling cruise left you stranded. So, you do what you have to keep afloat--like lying on your back, kicking your feet a bit and waving your arms every now and then--but not too much, or it will attract sharks. This type of swimming also includes the sidestroke, elementary backstroke, and the ever-popular dead-man's float. (Which is not a good idea when you are 87 because people think you are really dead in Lane 3.) I'm not sure why, but there is a lot of "survival swimming" going on over at the Golden Acres Rec Center. Maybe there is a message there...
I sigh deeply (and probably loudly) when I grab my kickboard and pull-buoy and stand at the end of one of those lanes and try to figure out how best to move in. It's never easy and never quick because you have to wait until the old guy gets to the shallow end to say "Hey, mind if I share your lane?" They are usually really, really slow floaters/swimmers, and I have found that the majority of them can't hear me--or they don't want to. Ugh. And I don't want to just jump in--they get really mad at that.
It's a fine line I walk--do I just jump in and share? Or do I gently slink into the water and ask my new lane buddy to share? Either way, they always get miffy because I actually "swim" and then they skeedaddle out of the pool altogether--which makes me feel guilty. It's a no-win, I tell you. I feel like an old-guy bully--which I'm not. Really. Why can't we all just get along??
I tried the "ask" approach yesterday--to which I was completely ignored. I asked again--no answer. I finally did the "slink-in" and swim--which is the "okay, I asked nicely, you big wienie, now I'm gonna just swim in your lane anyway" approach. On my return trip, I noticed my pal had in ear plugs. Sigh.
They don't fight fair, these senior swimmers.
**If you ever wonder if the cats fall into the pond ......yes. But only once. (see photo)
13 comments:
"...made-up strokes for survival swimming." That's me!
Being the courteous, considerate individual you are, I understand the pain of your dilemma.
oth, the name "Golden Acres" might have told you something from the beginning.
Vanilla--It's a tough one. While I respect their space, I want to swim too. Golden Acres is just the name I give it--our town caters to the senior set. The water temp is (no kidding) 88 degrees! 'nuff said. There is a health club down the street where all the hip folks go--but they don't have a pool. So, I'm with the seniors at the village rec center.
Eleven years ago I joined a fitness spa and they have an outdoor lap pool and an indoor warm water exercise pool, so this dilemma you describe is completely avoided!
Guess where I am twice a week? In the warm water indoor pool.
Hope you get your lane next time with no stress :)
I think you just jump in in swim. If they are supposed to be lap lanes then they are lap lanes. If asking does not work then just swim. It's their problem not yours.
It's not like you are using the lane for something it is not supposed to be used for...sheesh
As soon as you get in the pool, let them know you are there even though you have a bad case of diarrhea That should clear a lane or two.
Terra--I used to be on the swim team back in the day---I'm used to sharing a lane with 6 or 8 gals. I don't get this one per lane thing. I think I would like the cold outside pool at your place. I imagine it to be empty and void of this.
Pricilla--That's kinda my thinking too. And I'm used to lap swimming with others, so I don't bump into them or anything! :P
Betty--Yeah. "Who wants to follow me????" Hahaha!
I say go with Betty's suggestion....lol
I'm glad none of that will never happen to me. I think the dead man's float is all I could really do, and I'd be serious about it.
I'm really going to miss having a pool when I move. I hate sharing, but I enjoy swimming laps. Ugh.
LOL ~ you always make me smile Lin!
Wishing you happy week. ;)
xo Catherine
The last time I swam was when the boys were toddlers! I'm not sure why but I hate the water these days, which is such a waste 'cos we do have a very lovely pool in the condo.
It's really tricky to swim laps in shared pools. I really hate pools. You are tough!
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