Depending on the pool, there could be as few as four and as many as eight lanes. Usually there are six lanes. Lane 1 is for beginning swimmers. Ability increases with the lane number.

Find a lane that matches your general ability. You may need to move up or down a lane until you feel comfortable. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask the coach on deck.

Swimmers swim in a counter-clockwise loop during the workout. If you find that you are catching up to the swimmer in front of you and would like to pass, tap the person’s foot lightly. You may switch positions when you get to the wall.

During a workout the order of swimmers may change from set to set depending on their respective skills. For example, one person could lead a sprint set, but may prefer to give the lead to someone else during a distance set. The sequence could change even within the set.

In time, you will learn the abilities of the swimmers in your lane and the workout will run smoothly.

Here are two easy steps to help you get off to a good start with Splash.

1.  Join us at Practice

If you're new to swimming, search and check out the "Pool Etiquette" article and the current practice schedule on our web site.  Then, bring a suit to the pool, and come ready to swim! 

A coach or practice leader is available at every practice to help familiarize you with the pool facility, register with Splash, accept dues, and show you how to get started.

If you have any questions, visit the Contact Us to learn how to do just that.

Items to Bring to Practice

• Bathing Suit
• Goggles
• Towel
• Locker Padlock
• Soap & Shampoo

2.  Register with U.S. Master Swimming

U.S. Masters Swimming connects Splash with the larger swimming community.  Membership includes a subscription to Swimmer magazine, and provides necessary insurance coverage.  Visit the U.S. Master Swimming web site to complete your instant registration online.

For more information about Ohio Splash, please contact us using any of the following options:

• E-mail: adminATohiosplashDOTorg (Replace AT with @ and DOT with.!)

Ohio Splash is a United States Masters Swim team open to all and committed to fostering national and international competition for amateur athletes. Since 1997, the team has grown from 6 swimmers to a roster of over 100 members. 

Fitness & Competition

Three structured practices are coordinated by a team coach each week. Pool length varies by season. During the Fall and Winter we swim in an indoor 25 yard pool. Spring and Summer practices are usually held at a 50 meter pool. Locker rooms with showers are available.

Fun & Travel

In addition to the practices that we hold in Columbus, Splash travels to meets all around the Midwest, sometimes even further. In the past, Splash swimmers have competed in various cities including New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC. 

We competed at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) championships in San Diego, Atlanta, Paris, Toronto and Palo Alto. The 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam proved to be a success for 5 Splash swimmers bringing home 16 medals. In 2002, we brought 17 swimmers to the United States Masters Championships (USMS) in Cleveland, Ohio and 20 swimmers earned 28 swimming medals at the Gay Games in Sydney, Australia as part of Team Columbus.