Usually, the lanes are for individual swimmers. You will see two people in one lane sometimes if the two swimmers are friends and know they swim at the same pace. There is a lot of waiting for a lane that happens at our sports pools.
What I do, when waiting for a lane, is walk in the walking section and keep an eye out for when a swim lane opens up. If I see anyone come and sit on the bench to wait for a swim lane, I let that person know I am also waiting for a swim lane and I am before them.
Once a lane opens up, I head over there while still in the pool. I do keep my swim goggles and cap with me while walking and waiting for a swim lane to open up.
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