Duck Etiquette
Certain little things make practices much smoother and more fun for everyone. Below is a brief and in no way comprehensive set of some basic lane etiquette. Please try to follow these so that everyone can get the most out of their workout!

Quacking…
• Learn the names of your fellow ducks. In addition to being polite, it really does make everyone’s life easier if you’re able to address them by name. Plus, who knows, you may even make a new friend…who’d ‘a thought!?
• Understand the interval (speed) for the lane. Does everyone understand? Are you in the right lane? Are you ordered from fastest to slowest? This may change for each set or activity that you do (i.e. someone may go first for the kick set, and then last on the pull or swim set – so order yourselves based on WHAT you are doing, not just on swimming speed…and be prepared to shuffle!).
• Always be sure that everyone in your lane understands what the set you are doing is. If someone doesn’t, take a couple of seconds and explain it to them…it will make the whole set go smoother and make everyone feel included.
• On long swims where lapping may occur, be sure to communicate with each other about how that will happen.
• If you are going to modify the set, be sure to ask the coach first. If they give you the OK, then let your lanemates know what you are doing, and place yourself accordingly. If the coach says no to your request, then please respect their decision – it is surely for a good reason!

Duck eyes…and ears
• Always make sure that everyone in the lane knows what the set is…if you don’t know, then ask!
• Take responsibility for counting, you can do it!
• Watch the pace clock and know when you are supposed to go. This also means satying in your spot 5 seconds behind the swimming in front of you.
• Be aware of what is happening in your lane. Where are the other swimmers? Are you holding people up? Are you running people over? Is there somebody right behind you as you are coming off the wall? Be prepared to shuffle.
• While the coach is talking, you are not. Listen attentively and politely and if you don’t understand something, then ask after the instructions are given out. This is just common courtesy.
Quackerific…
• Everyone likes to hear positive encouragement from their lane/team mates. Don’t be shy with praise and ‘pump-it-ups’! It might be just what someone needs to keep them going.
• Acknowledge each other. Is somebody in your lane having an exceptional day? Let them know!

Ducks crossing…
• If there are only two ducks in a lane you can swim side by side, each staying on the same side of the lane for the entire workout; or you can swim in a circle pattern.
• When there are more than two ducks in a lane, the most common pattern is to swim single file in a clockwise or counterclockwise circle. When you turn at the wall, you switch sides of the lane, being cautious of the swimmers that may be coming in behind you. Each lane will alternate which direction that they swim so that you are always coming up the side of the lanerope along the same side as the lane beside you. This helps to eliminate painful arm/wrist collisions!
• Swimmers should start their sets 5 seconds apart, with the fastest swimmer in the lane going first, the second fastest going second and so forth. Keep your eyes open, and stay on your side of the lane to avoid collisions. When you wish to pass someone, touch or tap them on the foot and wait until they reach the wall before you attempt to pass. The swimmer who is being passed should stop at the wall and allow you to pass.