# Part 4: Swimming (World Triathlon Competition Rules)

Triathlon · Part 4: Swimming · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/laws/part-4-swimming/)

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.

## 4.41 Swim 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 1: How athletes may swim

- Athletes may use any stroke, and may also tread water or float. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 a (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- In an emergency the athlete raises an arm overhead and calls for assistance. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming))
- Once official assistance is rendered, the athlete must retire from the competition. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming))
- 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))
- Arm up, call out, receive assistance, and then retire. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 d (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 2: Contact in the water

- Accidental contact followed immediately by moving apart is not penalised. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (i) (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- Dunking, punching, scratching or kicking are disqualification offences. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (iv) (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- Athletes may sportingly maintain their own space in the water. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (Swimming))
- No penalty, a time penalty, then disqualification with a possible Tribunal report. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (Swimming))
- Accidental contact is free of penalty when the swimmers move apart immediately. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.1 e (i) (Swimming))
- 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))

### Test 3: When wetsuits are allowed

- 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))
- 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))
- In every table wetsuits become mandatory at 15.9 C and below. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 20 C, 22 C and 24.6 C. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.2 a (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 4: Swim time limits and shortened swims

- 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))
- Age-groupers get 20 minutes for a swim of up to 300 m. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming))
- 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))
- Above 33.0 C the swim is cancelled at every distance. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 a (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 10 minutes, 1 h 15 min and 1 h 45 min. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.3 (Swimming))
- 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))

### Test 5: Taking the water temperature

- 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))
- Readings are taken at a depth of 60 cm. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- The average is above 27 C, so the highest reading becomes official. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.4 e (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 4.42 Starts 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 1: Choosing a start position

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- In elite position selection a chosen spot cannot be changed. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.5 b (Swimming))

### Test 2: The mass start

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Early starters in a valid start receive a time penalty in Transition 1. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 f (Swimming))
- 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))
- Athletes starting in any wave before their assigned one are disqualified. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.7 h (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: Interval, time trial and rolling starts

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Early starters are recalled to the start line; failing to return means disqualification. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.9 i (Swimming))
- The rolling start system is only applicable to age-group competitions. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.10 b (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 4: Swim caps and trisuits

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Neoprene caps are allowed if wetsuits are allowed. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 a (viii) (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 5: Swimskins, wetsuits and banned swim kit

- 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))
- 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))
- Wetsuits cannot exceed 5 mm anywhere. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 4.11 d (i) (Swimming))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

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

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