Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
Do I need to bring equipment, or do you provide it?
We have kick boards, pull buoys, and fins for general use. But it’s always better to have your own, especially if you stick with it. However, you will need to bring a number of personal things with you:
- Goggles – Chlorine in the eyes isn’t fun, so is seeing where you are going. If you stick with it and you wear glasses, you may wish to purchase prescription goggles online.
- Swimmers/Togs/Cossie/Bathers – we don’t care what you call them, but you will need your own pair to each session. It’s your choice and depends what you’re comfortable with. But, one piece togs for girls and boys briefs that are designed for competitive and lap swimming will be the most comfortable.
- A Towel. You’re gonna get wet, and you’re going to want to get dry.
- Dress for the season… We swim all year round and you’ll need a jumper in winter (it’s ok, the pool is heated).
- A can-do attitude! This isn’t strictly necessary, but it’ll make things more fun for everyone.
What do I need to wear in the pool?
You can wear whatever togs you feel most comfortable in. Briefs, board shorts, bikinis, full-body suits – it doesn’t matter what you wear, as long as you feel comfortable.
Once you get into it, you’ll find that togs designed for competitive swimming such as one-piece bathers for girls and briefs/trunks for the boys are the most comfortable, but that decision is yours. You may even want to purchase a pair of sexy Aqualicious togs!
When do I have to become a member?
You can swim with us as a guest for up to 5 sessions or for one month, whichever comes first.
After that, you’ll need to sign up for Rackley’s Group Fitness program at (https://centenarypool.com.au/group-fitness) to continue training with us. But to get the full benefit of our club, we encourage you to become a member so that you’re covered by Masters Swimming Australia’s insurance and can compete in Masters swim meets (if you want).
Pool Etiquette
There are great benefits to swimming with a squad compared to swimming alone. A little consideration for your lanemates will help you get the most from your swim sessions.
- Circle swim:
In Australia, we keep left… So this means we swim in a clockwise direction on the left-hand side of the lane so we don’t bonk people in the head.
- The wall:
You can move to the centre of the lane as you approach the wall for your turn, If there’s room. Just make sure to push off along the left-hand side of the lane (facing your new direction) so you don’t cut off the incoming swimmers.
- Don’t stop:
Please don’t stop in the middle of a lap, or you’ll cause a pileup. If you get a cramp and can’t finish a lap, stick to the lane rope and ask for assistance if needed.
- The catch-up:
If someone catches up to you, it’s best to swim to finish the lap and pull up to the left of the lane so they can pass. You’ll just cause a bit of chaos if you stop in the middle of the lap.
- Patience:
Please be patient if you want to pass. Don’t swim over anyone, or try to speed past mid-lap. Instead, a gentle tap on the person’s toes in front is the sign for them to stop at the end of a lap and let you pass.
- Don’t tailgate:
Give a 5-10 second gap before start a lap. It’s harder to swim with someone in your wake the whole way (and annoying), so make sure you give the signal to pass if you need to. It’s the polite thing to do.
- On the ropes:
No pulling on the lane ropes! They are under high tension and can cause a major injury if they snap.
- More wall:
Start and finish each lap at the wall. You’ll stop people behind you from finishing if you don’t.
Captain, My Captain:
Your coach is giving up their time to design and run the sessions, so please do them the courtesy of paying attention.