You are matched with teammates who share your swimming ability and speed. That's based on a variety of factors including your fitness, experience, desire, and maybe your 100-freestyle time.

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The lanes, slowest to fastest, are: Tortugas, Dolphins, Otters, Sharks, Humpbacks, and Orcas. Lane assignment may change depending how many are in the lanes or in the pool in general, late arrivals, or coaches’ professional discretion. Lanes rotate across the pool on a regular basis so everyone can swim in the center of the pool.

It's always OK to stop or rest as necessary. But it's essential that you wait at the extreme right side of the lane (as you face the wall) so the left side is unobstructed for other swimmers to turn. If you can’t complete a lap, move to the extreme right side of the lane and continue to the wall at your best pace.

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When you re-enter the lineup after a pause, make sure there's enough space between you and the swimmer in front, and that you don't cut off the swimmer approaching the wall.

Please arrive five to 10 minutes before the workout. If you arrive after the coach has begun the workout, pick up the workout (same stroke, same speed as everybody else) or wait for an opportunity to join the lane.

Give the swimmer ahead of you five seconds before you push off the wall. 

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When you re-enter the lineup after a pause, make sure there's enough space between you and the swimmer in front, and that you don't cut off the swimmer approaching the wall.

We swim circles. So please swim on the right side of the lane at all times. 

Part of the experience is challenging yourself by swimming in a faster lane or taking it easier in a slower lane. But if you are repeatedly getting toe-touched by a swimmer behind you or catching up to swimmers in front of you, please move to the appropriate slower or faster lane.

Please wait until the end of a set to change places with another swimmer. To pass in the middle of a swim, tap the leading swimmer’s foot twice as you approach the flags (one tap might be an accident). The tapped swimmer should stop at the next wall (on the right) to let you pass. Note: If you pass someone, be prepared to stay ahead for the rest of the set, and preferably the rest of the workout. If you feel your foot tapped twice, allow the swimmer behind you to pass.

Please do not change the workout for the lane unless everyone in the lane agrees (e.g., three seconds between swimmers when the lane is crowded, faster/slower intervals, etc.). If you want to make your own changes (e.g., swim a different stroke, use equipment when no equipment is specified), it is your responsibility to communicate your plan with all of the other swimmers in your lane and avoid interfering with swimmers doing the posted workout.

An expert at providing a safe, fun and effective workout, the coach on deck is completely in charge. Depending on the workout and the number of swimmers, the coach may ask you to move up or down a lane. A swimmer who does not follow directions may be asked to leave the pool. If you have an issue with a coach, please discuss it with our head coach or e-mail your concerns to a board member at tememasters@gmail.com.

Everybody's swim goals and attitudes are different. Some may be happy just to do gentle laps while others are aggressively trying to improve time or technique. But as a team, our goal is to create a fun, good natured, mutually supportive experience. Please stay aware of others, avoid confrontations, and assume everyone there has good intentions. 

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If a problem arises in the pool, on deck, or in the changing rooms, please take it to the coach immediately.

It doesn't matter whether you choose to do flip turns or grab turns, as long as you can maintain your momentum and keep about five seconds between you and the swimmers in front and

behind you.

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