Rules and Manners when Swimming in Japanese Swimming Pools

Rules and Manners in Japanese Swimming Pools

Swimming is a popular sport in Japan, especially during the summer months. Although most public opens only in summer, you can swim all year round in some indoor pools to keep your body healthy.  There are widely accepted rules and common sense to follow when swimming in Japanese pools, so please get familiar with and understand them before you go swimming in your next chance.

1. You must wear a swimming cap and swimming suit when entering the pool.
2. Take a shower before entering the pool. After you go to the rest room during you swimming, take another shower before returning to the pool.
3. The pool is often divided into areas such as slow swimming areas, long-distance swimming areas, water walking areas, and free areas, in which case the activity that can be done in each area are limited. The rules are different for each pool, and the rules may differ depending on the day of the week and the time of day, so be sure to check and follow the rules when you swim.
4. In most public pools in Japan, there is a 5-minute break per hour. You have to get out of the pool during the break time.  During the break time the the pool guard usually take samples to inspect the quality of the pool water, switch their roles, and do some checks around the pools. 
5. Do not run by the pool.
6. Do not dive into the pool.
7. Do not eat or drink around the pool.
8. Do not take pictures or videos around the pool.
9. If you have a time limit on using the pool (for example, 2 hours), be sure to keep time so you do not get late to leave the facility.
10. Before you start swimming, it is recommended to do light preparatory exercises.

 

Some Rules in Japanese Swimming School / Lessons

If you plan your kids to take their swimming lessons at a Japanese swimming school, the following additional rules may apply as well, so it may a good idea to get a grasp of them as well.

1. The teacher checks your attendance before the lesson starts, so do not be late.
2. There is preparatory exercise before the lesson starts.
3. At the beginning of the lesson, do not start swimming without permission.
4. Do not continue playing at the end of the lesson.
5. Do not play while waiting for your turn to swim.
6. It is highly recommended to wear swimming googles.
7. Be sure to fasten your seat belt when you are on board the shuttle bus for swimming lessons.
8. Do not climb on a chair or play aggressively in the shuttle bus for swimming lessons.