Toe-touching, a common practice among club swimmers to signal a desire to overtake, is causing controversy in UK swimming pools. While some consider it standard lane etiquette, others view it as an unwelcome invasion of personal space.
The practice explained
According to Speedo's seven commandments of lane swimming, gently touching the toes of the swimmer in front is a universal gesture among club swimmers. The touched swimmer is expected to pause at the end of the lane to allow the faster swimmer to pass. Andrew Clark, manager of the London Aquatics Centre, notes on the Speedo website that this is an international custom, except in the UK where only club swimmers seem to know about it and people get sensitive about being touched.
Mixed reactions from swimmers
Many swimmers express discomfort with the practice. On the r/Swimming Subreddit, user @Aggravating-Dust7430 described feeling panic when someone touches their feet mid-lane, adding that they then put in 200% more effort but only get 7% faster. Another user, @thepatiosong, said they would be extremely annoyed, arguing they are sufficiently lane-aware to let faster swimmers pass at the wall. A user from Switzerland noted that foot tapping is not a thing there and found the concept bizarre.
Conversely, some swimmers defend the practice. @bebopped stated that faster swimmers should tap feet once and then pass, while @Deacon_Mushrat1 called it a very standard lap swimming convention. The debate extends to Metro's own staff, with reactions ranging from finding it too intimate to suggesting that consent should be sought, while one staffer acknowledged it helps avoid rough clashes.
Related concerns: dry strokers
Another pool etiquette issue is the prevalence of dry strokers—swimmers who skip pre-swim showers. Despite signs urging showers to remove suncream, perfume, makeup, and sweat, many ignore the rule. This behaviour raises hygiene concerns among pool users.
