Pool Etiquette

You are about to head off to the pool for your training session. You know how to get there and what time you can do your session so make sure you have what you need with you. Check out the etiquette points below so you won’t be completely surprised when you get to the pool.

The first thing to rememebr is that you are a guest in Japan and understand that cultural rules are different to those you experience at home.

• Check about the pool before you go. Ask the hotel concierge to enquire for you, but make sure that it is understood that you want to train (train hard and swim fast).
• When you arrive at the locker room, as with standard Japanese customs, take off your shoes before proceeding (perhaps take a set of slip on deck shoes with you). If you are going to the gym, make sure you bring  separate gym shoes with you.
• If you have any small, discrete tattoos, cover them up otherwise wear a rash vest and/or jammers.  Not sure how you would cover up anything on your feet etc but be aware.
• You will need to wear a cap in the pool, even if you are bald.
• No bikinis would be the best advice in advance – would save any embarrassment.
• Shower before you enter the pool.
• Do not swim with your watch on – ask first but be prepared for a no.
• Check if the use of paddles, fins, snorkels, pull buoys or kickboards is allowed and if yes, in which part of the pool can you use them.
• Obey the hourly rest periods and don’t do things like sit ups or press ups during the break out of the water – gentle stretching may be OK – just check to see what the locals are doing.
• Be careful, as passing a swimmer in your lane may be considered rude, don’t get yourself into trouble.
• Don’t expect to soap down or shampoo your hair after training therefore take extra time to shower off really well.
• Don’t overdo the spray on anti-perspirant or your after-shave / perfume (which you use to mask any chlorine).
• Finally, your concept of swimming fast may be very different to that of the locals, so be very careful about asserting “rights” that don’t exist.

Remeber if you are advised not to do something, and it will most probably be done very politely, apologise by saying “Sumimasen” (sorry pronounced almost the way it is written).

Enjoy your swimming.