Lap & Rec Swim

Open lap swim is available during all IMA operational hours (barring pool closures due to staffing or mechanical issues). Water Walking is also allowed in any open lap swim lane. There are 14 total lanes, with varying amount available for lap swim at any given time. See the schedule above for specific times and lanes available.

Lap Swim Rules:

• Open lap lanes are first-come, first-served.
• Lanes cannot be reserved by individuals.
• When lap swim is scheduled, other types of swimming (treading, pool games, etc.) must yield to lap swimmers. If you are looking for more freedom in your swimming experience, check out our Rec Swim hours below!
• You are required to share lap lanes outside of 1 swimmer per lane hours (9am – 1pm Weekdays).
  • Exceptions may be granted for swimmers with limited mobility, or those utilizing adaptive devices, which might impede other users’ space in that lane.
  • Please notify the lifeguards if you require your own lane due to one of these circumstances.
• No large floaties, pool toys, or balls for throwing are allowed.
• Mono-fins and mermaid tails are allowed, however lifeguards may ask to verify your swimming ability in the shallow end prior to use in the deep end.
• All other facility policies apply during Lap Swim.

Sharing Lap Lanes:

Due to the wide variety of swimmers, programs, and lane space available at any given time, there are no lanes with designated Medium or Fast swim speeds. Instead, each swimmer must pick a lane that has swimmers of their intended speed. If there is no one in that lane, your swim speed will determine the speed for that lane.

If you are planning to join a lap lane which is already occupied, you must do the following first:

• Confirm that the pre-existing swimmers are swimming at a similar speed to your intended speed
• Get the attention of the swimmer(s) and ask if you may join the lane.
• Decide with the swimmer(s) whether you will split the lane, or circle swim (descriptions for each are below).
  • Circle Swim: When 3 or more swimmers are sharing a lane, swimmers will swim on the right side of the lane in both directions–the same as driving on the road. If a swimmer stops at the wall, they should move into a corner of the lane so the other swimmers can pass them without contact.
  • Split Swim: When 2 or less swimmers are sharing a lane, you may “split” the lane down the middle, so each swimmer stays on one side the whole time. This way, there is less concern about running into each other.

Lifeguards may intervene to ensure everyone is following these expectations and to avoid conflict/collision. If a lifeguard asks you to move lanes to improve speed consistency, please do so.

We hope that everyone can communicate in a kind and cordial manner as we navigate these shared spaces together. Should you have any questions or issues with sharing lanes, please notify the lifeguards on deck or email the Aquatics Manager at jvklay@uw.edu.

This video describes lane sharing etiquette with visuals:

Lane Designations:

• Lane 1 is the designated Slow swimming lane. It may also be used for water walking or individuals learning how to swim on their own. Please do not swim in Lane 1 if you are a medium or fast swimmer.
  • There are no designated lanes for medium or fast swimming. You are responsible for sharing lanes with individuals of a similar swim speed to you.
• Lane 14 has the accessible chair lift. You may use the chair lift without help from lifeguards. If you require lifeguard help to get into/out of the chair, notify any lifeguard on deck. If another swimmer is already in that lane, lifeguards will ask that swimmer to move to a different lane. When Lane 14 is reserved for a program (i.e. club practices or swim lessons), you may ask a lifeguard to use the chair lift anyways. If possible, you will enter the water using the chair lift, then swim to the nearest open lap swim lane.

Available Equipment:

• Kickboards
• Pull buoys
• Handle paddles (Size Medium)
• Fins (Sizes XS – XXL)
  • Please do not wear fins on the pool deck, only in the water.

When you are finished using any shared equipment, please return it to the designated storage spaces before leaving the pool. Thank you!

At pre-scheduled days and times, some lane lines will be removed to allow for less structured swimming! This time is ideal for individuals looking to use the pool for something other than lap swim, such as playing games with friends or treading water. The specific lanes and pool depth for each Open Swim will vary to accommodate different swimming abilities.

Rec swim is not scheduled on holidays or when the IMA has reduced hours.

Rec Swim Rules:

• Lap swim should be avoided within the rec swim lanes when possible, to avoid collision between swimmers.
• Toys for throwing/playing are allowed IF the item is a soft material and smaller than a basketball. If a lifeguard determines that the item/use of that item may cause damage or harm, they will ask you to stop using it.
• Small personal foam floaties are allowed (i.e. noodles).
• Large inflatable floats (donuts, lounge floats) are not allowed except during pre-approved events by the Aquatics Manager.
• All other facility policies apply during Rec Swim.

Log Rolling is part of our Friday Night Activities at the IMA! It starts at 7:30pm and ends at 10pm when the pool closes. Participants face off in 1-on-1 battles to see who can stay on the log the longest. Or, try it alone to get the best record of the night!

Logrolling uses Lanes 1-4, and setup begins at 7pm.

Participants using the logs must follow all pool rules, in addition to the logrolling-specific policies below:

• Maximum of two participants can be on the log at one time.
• No one should be in the fall zone directly next to the logs while someone is using them.
• Before getting on the log, ensure it is parallel to the wall and not close to any other items or obstruction (e.g. lane lines).
• When standing on the log, do not reach for or grab the backstroke flags.

For more information on the sport and using the logs, check out the Instruction Manual.