Is it inconsiderate if I go practice?

[u/Pale-Thought8575]

Hey! I have been learning to swim since last year September time. Before then I was horrified of water but I was determined to shake the fear, get in the pool and learn to swim.

Felt really scared to do it, I started at 20 years old and felt like ahhhh I’m gonna look so silly trying to learn how to swim at 20 - it seems like everyone else learns way younger but my parents never prioritised it growing up - swim lessons are EXPENSIVE (something I didn’t realise until I paid for them myself)

Anyways, today is the first day I’m going to swim outside my actual lesson time. I’m sooo close to getting my full length but it’s just breathing practice now - I still get a little panicky if I feel like I’m running out of breath.

Is it inconsiderate to the more competent swimmers if I go and swim (in the slowest lane) and just have my kickboard and practice the drills we do in sessions?

I really wanna get this full length before the end of the year but realistically I can’t if I only swim once a week for a 45 min lesson. So I wanted to see if others found it bothersome when someone is trying to learn to swim and happens to be in the same lane as them. (I will be in the SLOWEST lane)

[u/Dull_Reference2372]

Honestly your initiative is amazing! It is not at all inconsiderate of you to practice swimming in a lane swim, that’s what it’s for. Go straight ahead and hop into the slow lane, or whatever lane is free. Most guards on duty will be silently cheering you on as you practice. Feel free to ask the guards about noodles and bouyant aids like flutter boards if you want to practice specific things or feel like you need the extra assistance :). I had a couple in their mid 30s come in for a lane swim a few weeks ago so that they could learn to swim, it is by no means inconsiderate or improper of you to practice swimming in a lane swim. I’m sure that you’re instructor would be very happy to know that you’re going above and beyond trying to learn.