I stop and chat at the side of the pool and I make no apology for it! I'm learning to swim with my friend and am not at all confident yet, so I sometimes need to stop to talk (and definately to catch my breath!) I don't stop right in the middle of the pool and I make every effort to stay out of everyone's way. We amateur swimmers need somewhere to go too and I think ED is a great pool for someone of my level... most of the time. I agree it does get too busy, though. I had someone swim right underneath me once! Needless to say I thought that rather rude and off-putting! If someone's that fast, then why are they swimming in the slow lane?!