FINA's Revisions to the Open Water Swimming Competition Rules

The 2025 World Swimming Series will implement the newly revised competition rules. Notably, the rules for open-water swimming have undergone several significant changes, including the introduction of a new 3-kilometer elimination race format. Below is a summary of the revisions relevant to open-water swimming competitions:

I. New 3-Kilometer Elimination Race

1. Rule 1.3 – World Aquatics Championships Open Water Swimming Events

2. Rule 1.3.2 – Description of the 3km Elimination Race Rules

(1) The men's and women's 3-kilometer elimination races will be held separately;

(2) Each team may send up to 2 male athletes and 2 female athletes to compete;

(3) The list of participants for the first round will be announced before the team leaders' meeting. The preliminary matches for both the first and second rounds will be finalized after all registration information has been processed and will be revealed at the team leaders' meeting. A maximum of 2 groups is allowed for the preliminary rounds of the second stage. The random draw results determining the preliminary group assignments will be published prior to the start of athlete registration.

(4) Each athlete competes in a 1500-meter race during the first round, advances to a 1000-meter race in the second round, and then moves on to a 500-meter race in the third round.

(5) Round 2: The top 10 athletes from each preliminary round group will advance to Round 2. If Round 2 is divided into 2 groups, the grouping plan will be announced at the team leaders' meeting. The specific group assignments will be determined based on each athlete’s ranking within their respective preliminary round group, and the advancement process will be officially announced at the team leaders’ meeting.

(6) Round 3: If the second-round competition is in Group 1, the top 10 athletes advance to the third-round final; if the second-round competition is in Group 2, the top 10 athletes from each group advance to the third-round final.

(7) Any athlete who receives their first foul penalty in the first or second round will have that penalty carried over and remain in effect for subsequent rounds of competition.

(8) If an athlete is disqualified or withdraws during the second or third round of competition, their position will be filled by the next athlete in line, and all subsequent athletes’ rankings will move up accordingly.

(9) According to Section 12.1.2.1 of Part One, the top three athletes in the Men's (M) and Women's (F) categories will receive medals.

3. Rule 6.1.4 Waiver

In the World Aquatics 3-kilometer open-water swimming elimination race, if an athlete chooses not to compete in the next round—having already advanced from either the preliminary or semifinal stages—they must withdraw within five minutes after the conclusion of the preliminary or semifinal event.

II. Details of Relevant Rule Changes

1. Rule 5: Schedule

(1) Rule 5.13 Refueling

5.13.5 In FINA competitions, only FINA-approved biodegradable bottles may be used. Each athlete will receive 6 bottles (distributed by their respective national teams). Refueling officials are responsible for ensuring that all support personnel comply with this regulation.

2. Rule 7: Swimwear and Technology

(1) Rule 7.2: In open-water swimming competitions, thermal suits must be worn when water temperatures fall below 18°C. Diving suits are prohibited when water temperatures are at or above 18.0°C. However, unless competition conditions pose a risk to athletes, the Chief Judge may, upon recommendation from the Safety Officer and Medical Officer, declare that thermal suits are mandatory even in temperatures not exceeding 20.0°C.

(2) Rule 7.3: Winter Clothing Winter clothing must fully cover the torso, back, and thighs, and must not extend beyond the neck, wrists, or ankles. Areas above the shoulders and/or below the thighs do not need to be covered.