Lane Lines:
     Lane lines are hard, sturdy plastic. They are kind of like a really large string of beads that divide, and help keep swimmers in their own lanes. Also, they reduce waves from other lanes so swimming is easier (at meets, the lane lines are sometimes doubled up to make that even more effective). They are really expensive so coaches get really mad if you sit on them!

Clocks:
     These can be electric or battery powered, digital or analog (pace clocks), and they are used often in practices so swimmers can see how fast they did a certain set, know when to leave on a send off, etc. In meets, they are used to time the races. Most meets have clocks that will tell your lane, time, and place you received in your heat.

Starting Blocks:
     Waterproof plastic, metal, wood, or a combination of these, they are what swimmers start off of in meets or practice. They are usually elevated about 15" or so from the water's surface. There are several styles of these.

Lap Counter:
     These are counters used to count laps (well duh), usually in any event 400 yds./m. or above. It can be really hard to remember how many laps you've done in these events. Basically how this works is someone counts for each swimmer; every odd lap, the person counting will stick the counter in the water next to the wall when the person is coming in to do their turn.

Backstroke Flags:
     If you've ever been to a pool that is used for swim practice/competitions, you have probably noticed a row of nylon or vinyl pennants close to each end of the pool. These are used in backstroke for stroke counting - so you know when to do your turn. They are 5 yds./m. away from the wall.