What are the backstroke rules in para swimming?
I · Intermediate · Starts and strokes · 3 of 6In freestyle any style may be swum, touching the wall each length; standing on the bottom is allowed but walking is not. In backstroke the swimmer starts in the water and stays on the back. In both, and in butterfly, the head must surface within 15 m of the start and each turn. S1 to S5 swimmers must surface every cycle.
How it works
- Freestyle: any style; touch every wall.
- Standing: allowed in freestyle; walking is not.
- Backstroke: on the back, except during the turn.
- Backstroke finish: touch while on the back.
- 15 m limit: head up by 15 m after start and turns.
- S1 to S5: part of the body breaks the surface each cycle.
- No arms: special turn rule in backstroke.
- Medley freestyle: must be on the breast.
The glossary has the freestyle (para swimming), the backstroke (para swimming), the 15 metre submersion limit, the stroke cycle (S1 to S5), the freestyle leg of a medley and the turn (para swimming).
Tricky cases
A freestyler stands up to rest. Disqualified?
No, as long as they do not walk.
Can a medley swimmer do backstroke in the freestyle leg?
No. It must be on the breast.
A backstroker rolls past vertical before the wall. Allowed?
Only as part of a continuous turn.
Must every turn touch the wall?
Yes, in every stroke.
Why the rule exists
The 15 m limit stops swimmers staying under water for speed. The cycle rule for S1 to S5 recognises they may surface less often than others.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Freestyle | Standing allowed | 11.2.4 |
| S1 to S5 | Surface each cycle | 11.2.3, 11.3.3 |
| Medley | Freestyle on the breast | 11.6.3 |
From the rule book
World Para Swimming, Rules and Regulations, February 2026, sections 11.2, 11.3, 11.6 and 11.8.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations, February 2026.