It is the equivalent to a Y, really. I've never had it be so bad like that before though. Usually there's just someone in the medium lane who can swim, but should be in the slow lane, and they tend to get the hint once you've mowed 'em down a couple of times during those first few laps when you're still fresh.

I think I'll just save the swims for days I don't end up working so I can go in the middle of the day.