• Feet-first entry into the pool at the start of practice
• NO DIVING in city pools, the shallow end of any pool or into a lane crowded with other swimmers
• Limit diving unless instructed by the coach as part of the practice 
• Don't clear your nose or throat in the pool
• Don't hang off or climb on the lane ropes - it can damage them
  
• Don't hang off the diving board

• Select a lane that suits your speed, even if you can't complete the sets (take more rest)

• If your lane is crowded, the fastest swimmer should move up a lane for the session
• If you are consistently the fastest or slowest in your lane, move up or down a lane
• The coach's workout rules: If you cannot keep the pace that the coach has assigned, do not lead the lane! Do not introduce extra rest or cut the rest time that the coach has assigned
• Swim in order of speed
• Leave 5 or 10 seconds between swimmers to avoid crowding, allow for turns and track your time
• If you want to pass the swimmer in front of you, touch his/her foot 10m before the turn
• If the swimmer behind you touches your foot, let him/her pass at the next turn

OBSERVE RIGHT-OF-WAY

• Never crowd the wall of the adjacent lane - leave their space clear
• When turning, push off the return side of the lane to avoid on-coming swimmers
• Swim in straight lines by following the line on the pool bottom, or the ceiling tiles
• When at the wall, move over! Make room for your swim mates to turn or finish
• If you skip a set to rest, sit out on the deck; don't hang onto the wall if that would obstruct other swimmers
• If you join a lane after the workout has started, make your presence known. Unexpected newcomers can cause collisions
• If you arrive late, tailor your warm-up so you don't impede swimmers doing the workout
• If you are not following the workout, defer to swimmers who are

Dress appropriately

• A clean, opaque swim suit is the only requirement for swimming attire
  

help out AT THE beginning or END OF PRACTICE

• Help out! Bring out or put away the lane ropes, kick boards, pull buoys and backstroke flags

VOLUNTEERING AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME

• Helping out is not simply something to implement at practice, the day to day operations of the club will benefit and flourish with every club members contribution
• Please know that the Downtown Swim Club is a volunteer organization and members may be asked to volunteer time as part of their Club Membership

Without a spirit of volunteerism the Downtown Swim Club would fail to exist.