How do blind swimmers know when to turn?
I · Intermediate · The race and results · 5 of 6A tapper at the end of the lane taps a vision-impaired swimmer with an approved pole as they near the wall. Tapping is compulsory at every turn and finish for S11 and optional for S12 and S13. S11 swimmers must wear blackened goggles for the whole race, checked at the finish. A tapped swimmer who strays lanes is treated more leniently.
How it works
- Tapper: support staff at the end of the pool.
- Two ends: a separate tapper at each.
- S11: tapping compulsory at every turn and finish.
- S12 and S13: optional, and may change.
- Tapping device: approved in advance for safety.
- Goggles: blackened, for S11, the whole race.
- Exception: prostheses in both eyes.
- Wrong lane: an unused lane is allowed; in a used lane, return.
The glossary has the tapper, the tapping device, the blackened goggles, the wrong lane (vision impairment), the S11 to S13 and the own lane.
Tricky cases
An S11 swimmer's goggles come off in the dive. Disqualified?
No, if it is an accident. Goggles breaking mid-race is not penalised either.
Can the tapper call out the relay position?
Yes, in relays.
A tapped swimmer surfaces in an empty lane. Disqualified?
No. They may finish there.
Can an S13 swimmer use a tapper for turns only?
Yes. Tapping is optional and need not be consistent.
Why the rule exists
Swimmers with no sight cannot see the wall, so tapping prevents injury at speed. Goggles make all S11 swimmers equal, whatever light they can see.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| S11 | Tapping and goggles compulsory | 10.8.3.1, 11.8.8 |
| S12 and S13 | Tapping optional | 10.8.3.3 |
| Lane rules | Leniency with a tapper | 11.8.3 |
From the rule book
World Para Swimming, Rules and Regulations, February 2026, sections 10.8.3, 11.7.12, 11.8.3 and 11.8.8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations, February 2026.