Where I come from slow swimming lane means slow SWIMMING

Canada is a continent. New Zealand is an island.

Where I grew up, everyone learned to swim at primary(elementary) school. Often, we weren't great, but that's what we did at school in summer, swam. We had learn to swim classes, then as we got older we had short units where we learnt such water sports as kayaking, played waterpolo, did diving, learnt life saving and generally did stuff in pools. It was part of physical education, the 6 weeks we weren't doing tennis, or gymnastics, or soccer etc.

I suck at swimming. Seriously. I last swam when I was at primary school. In 1995. That was the last time I had to swim in a pool, and apart from a disastrous interview as a lifeguard when I was 19 (they loved me until they saw me swim), I haven't done laps since. My swimming was restricted to jumping waves at the beach (which often involves swimming accidentally) and floating on my back in the sea in summer. The salt makes it easier to float.

This summer, as there is no beach, I decided to go to the local pool. I bought a swimsuit and goggles.

It appears in Canada the slow lane is not for those that swim slowly. I managed to catch up with people when I was doing my slowest backstroke. I ran into people when I used only my arms and no legs. I'm pretty sure my 7 year old sister could swim faster than these people. In fact, my 4 year old brother with floating arm bands on could beat them.

In Canada, the slow swim lane isn't for slow swimmers. It's for people that can't swim. Angry ones too. Old ladies that float along and say in a mean tone of voice when I accidentally bump into them (i was going backwards! I can't see!) and AFTER I apologise, "This is the slow lane you know".

Um yeah. I know. I just thought it was a swimming lane. For those who can actually swim.

I guess I might try the 'medium' lane.