Swimming

Always be mindful of the broader ocean community, encompassing both those within and outside our group. Many individuals swim, paddle, row, or snorkel in the same area, and a large group of boisterous, white-capped swimmers can be intimidating when approaching. Wearing a white PodSquad cap assumes you adopt our ethos and our code of conduct. Remember, it is your individual behaviour that reflects on our whole group – lets make that a positive one.

• Be aware and watch: Frequently sight for incoming swimmers, particularly in the busy summer season—consider it a training boost!
• Alert your PodSquad: If a collision seems possible, warn your fellow Pod Squad members about incoming swimmers.
• Be proactive: Always give way to others.
• Don’t assume: Never assume others have seen you; make it your responsibility to be aware and give way whenever possible.
• If you do collide: In the event of a collision (it happens!), kindly, thoughtfully, and respectfully check that the other swimmer is okay.
• Do not escalate the situation if the person becomes upset. Apologise, check they are OK and calmly swim off.
• Swim outside the net when busy (much of summer, especially weekends) or if you are in a large group.
• If you are in the net (Summer): Be especially mindful of other swimmers and avoid backstroke in this zone.
• White poles (and flags): Be aware of every marker (every 100m). Line up precisely by aligning the white pole with the orange flag.
• Heavy swell: Swim further west to avoid breaking waves. Whilst waiting at the marker, float on your back and kick into the swell to hold your position.
• Stopping mid-swim (avoid): If you need to stop for any reason, look behind you to ensure you’re not blocking the path of another swimmer.
• Starting a set: When commencing a swim set, do not use a breaststroke kick; ease into your stroke.
• Outside the net: On summer weekends and busy weekdays, we swim outside the net.
• Bunch up and listen: So you are aware what sets are being called, bunch up after each interval, hold the chat and listen for the set call.
• Sighting: Regularly sighting helps you maintain your line in the water. Avoid drifting into other swimmers. Use structures like the Fremantle Port cranes or the pole on the Cottesloe Groyne (heading South), or the North Street pine trees whilst heading North.
• Look for clear water: When the group is larger, swimmers also need to develop an awareness of their position in the water in relation to other swimmers (left, right, front, or behind). Always look to swim towards clear (open) water. 
• Timing your swim: The goal is that no-one is waiting too long at the end of each interval set.  Waiting too long means either getting cold or having too much recovery time so you lose your sense of a workout.
• Getting out early: If you get out of the water early, please let someone know, preferably your buddy.
• Departing Pages Pen: This usually happens 9-10 minutes after the start time (Example 6:15am start time – depart Pages Pen at 6:25am sharp
• Completed your swim? Touch the rock at Cottesloe Groyne (weather permitting) then touch the white buoy at the end of your swim (this brings everyone together)
• Swim straight in: Return directly to the beach after your swim (high fives first, of course!). In summer, do not cut (swim back to the ramp) across the North Cott training area (boards, skis, boats, swimmers). Walk behind any training NCSLSC groups that may be operating on the shore.

Just like in the water, it’s essential to be considerate on land, both to your fellow PodSquad members and the wider public. Your actions, reactions, behaviour, and language all matter.

• Yield to Others: Always be aware and give way to walkers and runners.
• Mind the Coffee Rush: Those post-swim coffee gatherings can get busy! Make sure you leave a clear path for pedestrians, other coffee patrons, and cyclists.
• SUP Entrance: In the busy season, try to assemble away from the entrance of SUP so as to let other patrons enter and exit.
• Bag Awareness: Be mindful of where you stash your swim bags while you’re enjoying your coffee. They can become a trip hazard for others.
• Share the Space: We share our meeting spot with many members of the North Cottesloe Surf Club, and we have a fantastic relationship with them. We’re counting on you to help maintain that positive connection. Have you considered joining?

We’re a PodSquad for a reason—we swim together! However, as we assemble after our warm-up, no one wants to shiver at Pages Pen (that first 400m mark) while waiting, especially when the water’s cool. Being considerate means we all reach the holding pen around the same time, and that hinges on everyone being mindful of their swim speed and punctuality.

• Know the Start Time: Always be aware of when we’re scheduled to begin.
• Slower Swimmers: Please hop in a minute or two early. Don’t linger at the back of the group on land.
• Faster Swimmers: Enter the water a minute or two late, allowing you to swim through the group.
• Boost Your Comfort/Speed: If you’re a slower swimmer, consider wearing fins or a wetsuit until your fitness and speed pick up.
• Running Late? If you’re delayed, jog 100m south down the beach and enter the water there. That way, the leading group won’t have to wait for you at the holding pen.
• Interval Swim Tip: When we start our intervals, the slower swimmers should begin at the front. That way, faster swimmers can easily go around. Even if you’re tired and hanging at the back, keep swimming through the group until you reach the front—then take your rest. Hanging back might seem helpful, but you’ll end up falling further behind. Keep moving, and it all flows better!