What can para swimmers wear?
Officials' detail · The race and results · 1 of 1Swimmers wear approved swimwear, one suit and up to two caps, within set limits on coverage. No prosthesis, except an eye prosthesis, and no orthosis may be used in the race, though cochlear implants and insulin pumps may be worn. No device or plan may be used for pace-making. Modifications for an impairment need approval.
How it works
- Swimsuit: one, in one or two pieces.
- Caps: at most two.
- Men's suits: not above the navel or below the knee.
- Women's suits: not covering the neck, past the shoulder or below the knee.
- Prostheses and orthoses: not allowed, except an eye prosthesis.
- Allowed: cochlear implants, insulin pumps.
- Pace-making: banned.
- Support staff: no devices or coaching on deck.
The glossary has the swimwear (para swimming), the prosthesis and orthosis ban, the pace making, the support staff (para swimming), the blackened goggles and the automatic officiating equipment.
Tricky cases
Can a swimmer wear a knee brace?
No. Orthoses are not allowed in the race.
Can a swimmer wear a cochlear implant?
Yes.
Can support staff carry a stopwatch on deck?
No.
Can a suit be modified for an impairment?
Only with approval.
Why the rule exists
Banning prostheses keeps the swimming the athlete's own. Swimwear limits stop suits giving buoyancy or speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Prostheses | Banned except ocular | 11.8.9 |
| Implants and pumps | Allowed | 11.8.10 |
| Swimwear | Approved only | 10.16 |
From the rule book
World Para Swimming, Rules and Regulations, February 2026, sections 10.8, 10.16, 11.8.9, 11.8.10 and 11.8.14. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations, February 2026.