So I have started swimming laps in the wonderful Olds Aquatic Centre, to compensate for my many hours at a desk.
It was quite busy this morning and I had to share a lane. I checked the lane ‘driving' rules posted and noticed it was up one side and down the other; international standard pool rules except on the right-hand side rather than the left, as I am used to Down Under.
I started merrily up the right side of the lane and came back on the right side as shown on the diagram. Crash! A head on collision with another swimmer.
She was distraught and informed me that in Olds, ‘we just go up and down one side as there as so few of us.'
Now I had recently researched how the side of the road for driving had come about in Canada.
Her explanation reminded me of something I read about early 1900s driving. Bill said “I just stick to the east side of the road, to and from town and Fred sticks to the west side of the road. We are the only ones who use this road and it has worked fine up until now so I don't see why we have to change.”
Well folks, I enjoy Olds and am planning to tell other international peoples about this place. I think we should consider ‘driving' up one side and down the other in the pool as we have learned to do on the road.
If you can do this, I will even give up my push to get you all to go up the left side instead of the right side.
Head Smashed In Aussie
Dave Aaron
Olds
