Why Must Men Barge!

This is a swimming rant!

I chucked my membership from the above gym and pool because of expense.  I now swim at our local leisure centre most mornings during the lane swimming session.  I do not swim in either the fast, medium or slow lanes because they are rather narrow and if some participants are swimming breast stroke one can get a  stray foot in the ribs.  Never mind the ribs - I mind terribly if I am hit on my knees - they might collapse in metal pieces!  So - I swim in the free area but have to keep weaving in and out so as not to get hit - I look up fairly often just to see that the way is clear.

Today was different!   The pool was unusually empty in the free zone today and I was making good progress to complete my thirty lengths.  I set off and about half way down the pool a man jumped in front of me swimming furiously - he kept his line and I had to swiftly veer out of his way.  The man kept up aggressive swimming complete with tumble turns - everyone else had to keep their distance.

I saw red!  The free zone often contains some very vulnerable people, some bad swimmers and truly disabled swimmers.   At the end of my stint I got out, complained to the young lifeguard who could not have been nicer but felt (I think because of his age) unable to speak to this guy, so I asked if I could - and I did.  I tapped the man smartly on the arm and suggested he swum in the fast lane as he was a very good swimmer.  I got excuses and more excuses.  I ended up shouting at him and wagging my finger like an old schoolmarm!! After I had changed and was leaving I met the lifeguard in the entrance hall and he informed me that the manager had been called - apparently this man is "known" to them.  I suddenly felt better!  I very rarely complain to anyone about anything.  I hope this guy never appears again in the free zone and if he does I will stop swimming but stand my ground!