How does a swimming race start?
B · Beginner · The stroke · 3 of 6The referee calls the swimmers up with short whistles and sends them onto the platforms with a long one. On "take your marks" each swimmer takes a starting position at once, with at least one foot at the front of the platform. When everyone is still, the starter gives the signal and the swimmers dive.
How it works
- A dive: "The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley races will be with a dive."
- Short whistles: the referee's signal for the athletes to get ready at the starting end, once they have taken off everything but their swimwear.
- The long whistle: the athletes "must take their positions on the starting platform and remain there".
- The arm: the referee stretches out an arm to show that the athletes are under the starter's control, and keeps it there until the signal.
- Take your marks: the athletes "will immediately take up a starting position with at least one foot in contact with the front of the starting platforms".
- The hands: "The position of the Athlete's hands is not relevant."
- Still: "When all Athletes are stationary, the Starter will give the starting signal."
- Loudspeakers: at the Olympic Games and world events the command is in English and reaches each swimmer through a speaker at their platform.
- The platform: firm, with no spring, between 0.5 m and 0.75 m above the water.
The command is take your marks, and this is the dive start of the glossary.
Tricky cases
Must both feet be at the front of the platform?
No. At least one foot must be in contact with the front.
Do the hands have to grip the platform?
No. The position of the hands is not relevant.
A swimmer is slow to get down after "take your marks". Can they be penalised?
Yes. The position must be taken immediately. A swimmer who delays the start may be reported by the starter to the referee, who may disqualify them.
Can a swimmer step off the platform after the long whistle?
No. Once on the platform, the swimmers must remain there.
Why the rule exists
The whistles and the raised arm tell eight swimmers and a team of officials, in a loud hall, exactly who is in charge at each moment. Waiting until everyone is stationary means the signal is the first thing anyone reacts to. A speaker at every platform means the swimmer in the far lane hears it at the same instant as the one nearest the starter.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | SW 4.1; SW 4.3; SW 15.8 |
| Backstroke and medley relays | The start is in the water | SW 4.2 |
| 50 m races in a 50 m pool | May be started from the turning end | SW 3.2.5.2 |
| Pool depth | Where platforms are used the water must be at least 1.35 m deep near the wall | SW 15.8.4 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Two: Swimming Rules (in force as from February 2026), Articles 2.5, 4.1, 4.3 and 15.8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).