What are the rules of the swim in triathlon?
I · Intermediate · The race and the swim · 2 of 4Any stroke may be used, and an athlete may tread water, float, stand on the bottom or rest by holding a buoy or a stationary boat. They may not use any object to move forward. Accidental contact is not penalised if the swimmers move apart. Impeding another swimmer is a time penalty, and striking or dunking one is disqualification.
How it works
- Strokes: "Athletes may use any stroke". "They may also tread water or float."
- Pushing off: allowed off the ground at the beginning and end of every swim lap.
- Resting: athletes "may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object, such as a buoy or stationary boat".
- No help forward: it is forbidden to pull, push or use any object in a way that helps the athlete progress.
- The course: the prescribed swim course must be followed.
- In trouble: raise an arm overhead and call. "Once official assistance is rendered, the athlete must retire from the competition."
- Accidental contact: no penalty where the athletes "immediately afterwards move apart".
- Impeding: continuing to impede another athlete without moving apart is a time penalty.
- Targeting: deliberately targeting another athlete to impede them is a disqualification.
- Striking: to dunk, punch, scratch or kick another athlete is a disqualification. It may also be reported for suspension.
- Time limits: a maximum time in the water is set by swim length, such as 30 minutes for elites over 1001 m to 1500 m.
- Fingernails: in elite, under-23 and junior races at standard distance and below, nails must be trimmed short.
The glossary has the open water swim, the swim contact entry, the buoy, the time penalty, the disqualification and the wetsuit.
Tricky cases
A tired swimmer holds a kayak to get their breath. Are they out of the race?
No, if the kayak is stationary and they do not use it to move forward. If officials have to assist them, they must retire.
Two swimmers clash arms at the first buoy. Is that a penalty?
No, if they move apart immediately afterwards.
A swimmer pulls on the leg of the athlete in front to get past. What is the penalty?
At least a time penalty for impeding. If it is judged a deliberate targeting of the other athlete, disqualification.
Can an athlete swim breaststroke the whole way?
Yes. Any stroke is allowed.
Why the rule exists
Open water has no lanes, and a pack of swimmers heading for one buoy will collide. The rule accepts that and judges what happens next: move apart and nothing follows. Letting athletes rest on a buoy or boat is a safety measure for those who are struggling.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental contact | No penalty | WT 4.1 e (i) |
| Continued impeding | Time penalty | WT 4.1 e (ii) |
| Deliberate targeting, or striking | Disqualification | WT 4.1 e (iii); (iv) |
| Top-level series | A second penalty in a year means missing the next event | WT 4.1 e (v) |
From the rule book
World Triathlon, Competition Rules (2026 edition, amended 29 April 2026), sections 4.1 and 4.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Triathlon Competition Rules (PDF).