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YMCA Alaska, Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fitness, Community Center, Youth Development, Healthy Living, Social Responsibility

YMCA OF ALASKA

LAP LANE SWIMMING

Learning how to lap swim can be a rewarding experience for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

  • Get the Right Gear: Invest in a well-fitting swimsuit, goggles, and a swim cap if needed. This gear will make your swimming experience more comfortable and efficient.
  • Learn Basic Techniques: Before hitting the pool, familiarize yourself with basic swimming techniques such as freestyle (front crawl), backstroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. Online tutorials or swimming classes can be helpful for beginners.
  • Warm Up: Start your swim session with a few minutes of gentle warm-up exercises such as walking or light stretching to prepare your muscles for the activity.
  • Practice Breathing: Proper breathing technique is essential for lap swimming. Practice rhythmic breathing by exhaling underwater and inhaling when your face is out of the water. Try to synchronize your breathing with your strokes.
  • Start Slow: Begin by swimming one length (usually 25 yards or meters) of the pool using your preferred stroke. Take breaks as needed and gradually increase the distance as you build endurance.
 
 
  • Focus on Form: Pay attention to your body position, arm movement, leg kick, and overall technique. Proper form not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of injury.
  • Use Pool Lane Etiquette: If swimming in a crowded pool, be mindful of other swimmers and follow lane etiquette. Stay to the right side of the lane, pass slower swimmers on the left, and communicate with others if necessary.
  • Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for each swim session, whether it’s increasing the distance, improving your time, or mastering a specific stroke. Celebrate your progress along the way.
  • Cool Down: After completing your laps, take a few minutes to cool down with some easy swimming or gentle stretches to prevent muscle soreness.
  • Stay Consistent: Like any skill, learning to lap swim takes time and practice. Aim for regular swim sessions to build endurance, improve technique, and gain confidence in the water.
  • Remember, patience and persistence are key when learning how to lap swim as a beginner. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and enjoy the process of improving your swimming skills over time.

CIRCLE SWIM

circle swim

LAP SWIM RULES

  1. Swimmers must be actively swimming or water-walking across the entire length of the pool with reasonable rest stops.
  2. Swimmers under the age of 12 must have a supervising adult of 14 years or older in the pool area at all times.
  3. Lifejackets, pool noodles, and water weights are not permitted in the lap lanes.
  4. Independent swim lessons instructors and swim coaches may not provide services at any of the YMCA facilities.
  5. Hanging on the lane lines is not permitted and damage to a lane line may result in a $65 charge to your account.
  6. If all lap lanes are occupied, lap swimmers are required to share lane space respectfully. See lane etiquette.
  7. Lifeguards reserve the right to close lap lanes or move lap swimmers to different areas of the pool for any reason: misuse, swim lessons/team, event rentals, speed/organization, etc.

YMCA LANE SHARING ETIQUETTE

  1. Before entering the water, make your presence known to all other lap swimmers in the lane to avoid confusion
  2. Attempt to join a lane with swimmers who match your speed or skill level
  3. When resting on the wall, move to the outward corners of the lane
  4. Pass only at the walls to avoid collision. Slower swimmers should yield to faster swimmers to ensure safe workouts
  5. For 2 swimmers per lane, split the lane down the middle. For 3+ swimmers per lane, circle swim.