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Triathlon · Competition Rules

Part 4: Swimming

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

How athletes may swim, contact in the water, when wetsuits are allowed, swim time limits and shortened swims, water temperature, start position selection, the different start systems, and swim kit.

4.41Swim Rules and Wetsuits

How athletes may swim, contact in the water, wetsuit temperature limits, swim time limits, shortened swims and how the water temperature is taken.

Test 1How athletes may swimTake a test

  1. Athletes may use any stroke, and may also tread water or float.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 a (Swimming) · recall

  2. Pushing off the ground is allowed at the beginning and end of every lap; the Technical Delegate may allow it elsewhere.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 a (Swimming) · recall

  3. Athletes may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy or a stationary boat, but not use it to make progress.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 c (Swimming) · applied

  4. It is forbidden to pull, push or use any inanimate object in a way that helps the athlete progress.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 c (Swimming) · applied

  5. In an emergency the athlete raises an arm overhead and calls for assistance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming) · recall

  6. Once official assistance is rendered, the athlete must retire from the competition.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming) · applied

  7. Nails must be short, not sharp, not past the tip of the finger, rounded or slightly squared and filed smooth.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 g (Swimming) · recall

  8. Arm up, call out, receive assistance, and then retire.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming) · applied

  9. Resting on an inanimate object is allowed as long as it does not help the swimmer progress.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 c (Swimming) · applied

  10. Holding a stationary boat to rest is allowed; only using it to move forward would be an offence.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 c (Swimming) · applied

Test 2Contact in the waterTake a test

  1. Accidental contact followed immediately by moving apart is not penalised.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (i) (Swimming) · applied

  2. Contact that goes on impeding the other athlete without moving apart is a time penalty.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (ii) (Swimming) · applied

  3. Dunking, punching, scratching or kicking another athlete means disqualification and a possible Tribunal report.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iv) (Swimming) · applied

  4. Dunking, punching, scratching or kicking are disqualification offences.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iv) (Swimming) · recall

  5. Such athletes may be reported to the World Triathlon Tribunal for possible suspension or expulsion.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iii)-(iv) (Swimming) · recall

  6. Penalised twice in a calendar year, an athlete is not admitted to the next event in those series, and so on for further offences.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (v) (Swimming) · recall

  7. Athletes may sportingly maintain their own space in the water.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (Swimming) · recall

  8. No penalty, a time penalty, then disqualification with a possible Tribunal report.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (Swimming) · applied

  9. Accidental contact is free of penalty when the swimmers move apart immediately.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (i) (Swimming) · applied

  10. The report shows a deliberate blow, which ends the race and can go further to the Tribunal.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iv) (Swimming) · applied

Test 3When wetsuits are allowedTake a test

  1. For elite, U23, junior and youth athletes, wetsuits are forbidden from 20 C on swims up to 1500 m, and from 22 C on longer swims.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · recall

  2. The longer the swim, the warmer the water may be before the suit comes off: two degrees more here.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · recall

  3. In every table wetsuits become mandatory at 15.9 C and below.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · recall

  4. Age-groupers up to 55-59 lose the wetsuit from 22 C on swims up to 1500 m, and from 24.6 C on longer swims.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · applied

  5. From the 60-64 category up, wetsuits are forbidden from 24.6 C at every distance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · applied

  6. Over 1500 m, age-groupers up to 55-59 keep the wetsuit until the water reaches 24.6 C.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · applied

  7. For 60-64 and older the limits are the same at all distances: forbidden from 24.6 C, mandatory at 15.9 C and below.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · recall

  8. 20 C, 22 C and 24.6 C.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · recall

  9. 20 C for the junior, 22 C for the age-grouper up to 1500 m, and 24.6 C over 1500 m.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · applied

  10. For a 45-49 age-grouper on a 1500 m swim, wetsuits are forbidden from 22 C; 22.3 C is above it.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming) · applied

Test 4Swim time limits and shortened swimsTake a test

  1. Up to 300 m: 10 minutes for elite, U23, junior and youth athletes, 20 minutes for age-groupers.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming) · recall

  2. Age-groupers get 20 minutes for a swim of up to 300 m.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming) · recall

  3. Swims of 1501 m to 3000 m: 1 h 15 min for elite-level athletes, 1 h 40 min for age-groupers.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming) · applied

  4. Above 33.0 C the swim is cancelled at every distance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming) · applied

  5. Between 13.0 and 13.9 C a 3800 m swim is cut to 1500 m.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming) · applied

  6. The Technical Delegate makes the final decision one hour before the start and tells the athletes clearly.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c (Swimming) · recall

  7. Where the water is below 22 C on the day, a planned run-swim-run aquathlon switches to swim-run.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 d (Swimming) · applied

  8. Between 15.0 and 30.9 C the full 1500 m is swum, 12.0-12.9 C cuts it to 750 m, and 11.0-11.9 C cancels it.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming) · applied

  9. 10 minutes, 1 h 15 min and 1 h 45 min.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming) · recall

  10. Between 31.0 and 31.9 C a 1500 m swim is cut to 750 m.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming) · applied

Test 5Taking the water temperatureTake a test

  1. The Technical Delegate adapts the swim length or wetsuit rules in consultation with the Medical Delegate, if applicable.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c (Swimming) · recall

  2. Readings are taken at a depth of 60 cm.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · recall

  3. It is taken at the middle of the course and in two other areas of the swim course.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · recall

  4. At an average of 27 C or below the lowest reading counts; above 27 C the highest one does.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · recall

  5. The average is above 27 C, so the highest reading becomes official.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · applied

  6. Only when the water is at or below 22 C and the air at or below 15 C is the water value adjusted by the table.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 b (Swimming) · recall

  7. The Technical Delegate, with the Medical Delegate if applicable, may adapt limits for weather such as high winds, heavy rain, changing temperature or current.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c (Swimming) · recall

  8. Three readings, one average, then one reading picked: the average only chooses which end counts.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · recall

  9. Measurement and the final decision both come one hour before the start, and athletes are told clearly before the swim.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c, e (Swimming) · applied

  10. These readings average about 26.1 C; below the 27 C mark, the coldest point is used.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming) · applied

4.42Starts and Swim Kit

Start position selection, the mass start and false starts, interval, time trial and rolling starts, swim caps, trisuits, swimskins, wetsuits and banned swim kit.

Test 1Choosing a start positionTake a test

  1. Athletes line up in the order of their start numbers and are sent to the start one by one.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 a (Swimming) · recall

  2. A selected position cannot be changed once chosen, and an athlete cannot occupy more than one.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (Swimming) · recall

  3. The Technical Delegate may cancel the selection and assign positions by race number where no ranking exists or for other extraordinary reasons.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (i) (Swimming) · recall

  4. Start Line Technical Officials note each athlete's number and position and raise a flag when their section is full.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 c (Swimming) · recall

  5. Age-groupers pick any unused position; officials may ask them to move from crowded to empty areas.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.6 c (Swimming) · recall

  6. Holding a spot for later is not possible: each athlete stands in one place only.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (Swimming) · applied

  7. Technical Officials may ask athletes to move from crowded to empty areas of the start line.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.6 c (Swimming) · recall

  8. Selection ends when every athlete is in position and every Start Line Technical Official has raised a flag.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 a-d (Swimming) · recall

  9. Age-groupers wait together as a wave, enter under an official's control and choose any free spot before the start.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.6; 4.7 d (Swimming) · applied

  10. In elite position selection a chosen spot cannot be changed.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (Swimming) · applied

Test 2The mass startTake a test

  1. A mass start is when a large group of athletes starts together; it can be used in any competition and category.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 a (Swimming) · recall

  2. After the announcement a heartbeat soundtrack may play for at most 15 seconds, then fade out.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 c (Swimming) · recall

  3. Athletes move directly forward towards the first buoy until they reach the water; moving to another start position is not allowed.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 d (Swimming) · recall

  4. In a false start the horn is sounded many times to declare the start not valid, and athletes return to their positions.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 e (Swimming) · recall

  5. Early starters in a valid start receive a time penalty in Transition 1.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 f (Swimming) · applied

  6. In mixed relay the early-start penalty is served by the first athlete of the team.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 f (Swimming) · recall

  7. Athletes starting in any wave before their assigned one are disqualified.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 h (Swimming) · applied

  8. Once all athletes are in place, the announcement comes, the heartbeat may play for up to 15 seconds and fade, and the horn starts the race.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 b-d (Swimming) · recall

  9. A late athlete needs approval to start later, and their start time is that of their assigned wave.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 i (Swimming) · applied

  10. Repeated blasts cancel the start; officials send everyone back and run the procedure again.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 e (Swimming) · applied

Test 3Interval, time trial and rolling startsTake a test

  1. Interval starts, where groups competing together start at different times, are typically used in PTWC and PTVI events.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 a (Swimming) · recall

  2. A video camera shall be used to record the entire start.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 c, 4.9 c (Swimming) · recall

  3. In an interval start the early athlete swims on and pays for it later, at their T1 spot.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 l-m (Swimming) · applied

  4. Athletes report to the pre-start area at least 2 minutes before their start time.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 f (Swimming) · recall

  5. Early starters are recalled to the start line; failing to return means disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 i (Swimming) · applied

  6. The rolling start system is only applicable to age-group competitions.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.10 b (Swimming) · recall

  7. If an athlete has two or more start times recorded, the first one is the valid start time.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.10 f (Swimming) · applied

  8. Ready at 10 minutes, in position at 5, in the water at 1 minute, and the horn at the exact start time.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 g-k (Swimming) · recall

  9. In a time trial start the starter gives the time left at 15 and 5 seconds, then the horn.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 f-h (Swimming) · applied

  10. The ten-minute call comes first; the later calls are for taking position and entering the water.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 g (Swimming) · applied

Test 4Swim caps and trisuitsTake a test

  1. All athletes must wear the official event numbered swim cap during the swim segment.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (i) (Swimming) · recall

  2. A second cap must be unbranded and the official cap must be on the outside from the line-up on.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (iv) (Swimming) · applied

  3. Altering the official swim cap, or not wearing it, may lead to a penalty up to and including disqualification.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (vi)-(vii) (Swimming) · applied

  4. Neoprene caps are allowed if wetsuits are allowed.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (viii) (Swimming) · recall

  5. In aquathlon athletes may carry the official swim cap and goggles on the first run and wear them in transition.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (ii) (Swimming) · recall

  6. Trisuits must be 100% textile, such as nylon or lycra, with no polyurethane or neoprene.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 b (ii) (Swimming) · recall

  7. When wetsuits are forbidden, clothing below the elbows and below the knees is forbidden too, with some exceptions in 2.8.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 b (iii) (Swimming) · recall

  8. The official numbered cap must be the outer one; the second cap sits underneath and must be unbranded.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (iv) (Swimming) · recall

  9. Cap in hand on the first run, on the head from transition onwards: that is the aquathlon allowance.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (ii) (Swimming) · applied

  10. Two caps are fine, but the official numbered cap has to be on the outside from the line-up onwards.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (iv) (Swimming) · applied

Test 5Swimskins, wetsuits and banned swim kitTake a test

  1. Swimskins are not allowed for elite, U23, junior, youth and para athletes at standard distance and shorter.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (ii) (Swimming) · recall

  2. Swimskins are allowed for age-groupers in all events and distances, in any water temperature.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (iii), (vi) (Swimming) · recall

  3. Wetsuits cannot exceed 5 mm anywhere.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 d (i) (Swimming) · recall

  4. A wetsuit may cover any part of the body except the face, hands and feet; when mandatory it must cover at least the torso.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 d (iv) (Swimming) · recall

  5. Socks are illegal in the swim except when the use of wetsuits is mandatory.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 f (Swimming) · recall

  6. A deployed safety inflatable device is illegal equipment; if it deploys, the athlete must retire.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 f (Swimming) · applied

  7. Watches are not allowed in elite, U23 and junior standard and shorter races, unless the Head Referee allows them.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 f (Swimming) · recall

  8. Swimskins are allowed at any temperature, neoprene caps only when wetsuits are allowed, socks only when wetsuits are mandatory.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (viii), c (vi), f (Swimming) · applied

  9. In standard and shorter races a swimskin must be worn for the whole event; at longer distances it may come off after the swim.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (v) (Swimming) · applied

  10. The sprint is at standard distance or shorter, where elite athletes may not use a swimskin.

    Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (ii) (Swimming) · applied

Sources

World Triathlon Competition Rules, January 2025, Part 4 and Appendix K (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the rules, not reproduced)

  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming)10
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming)6
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 c (Swimming)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming)4
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iv) (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (iv) (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 f (Swimming)3
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 a (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (i) (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.6 c (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 e (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 f (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (ii) (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (ii) (Swimming)2
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 g (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (ii) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iii)-(iv) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (v) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 d (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 b (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 c, e (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 a (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (i) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 c (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 a-d (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.6; 4.7 d (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 a (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 c (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 d (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 h (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 b-d (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 i (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 a (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 c, 4.9 c (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 l-m (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 f (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 i (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.10 b (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.10 f (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 g-k (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 f-h (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.8 g (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (i) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (vi)-(vii) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (viii) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 b (ii) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 b (iii) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (iii), (vi) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 d (i) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 d (iv) (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (viii), c (vi), f (Swimming)1
  • World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 c (v) (Swimming)1