Relays

4.3.1 Definition#

A relay is a crossing performed by a team whose members take turns, such that only one swimmer is in the water at any given time. The provisions regarding the route, distance, and trials established for each crossing shall apply to the relay.

4.3.2 Team#

The team shall establish the number of members, between 2 and 6, and the order in which they swim before the start. The composition and the order may not be modified until the finish. If a member does not enter the water at their scheduled turn, the relay shall be terminated and shall not be recognized.

Relay rankings are categorized by composition: female, male, mixed.

4.3.3 Turn#

Each member shall swim for a turn of fixed duration, equal for all and established before the start. The reference duration is one hour; the team may establish a different duration, which shall be recorded in the crossing documentation. A member who exits the water before the end of their turn terminates the relay.

Once the first rotation is completed, the order shall repeat unchanged until the finish. The final turn may be of shorter duration, as it concludes upon arrival on land.

4.3.4 Exchange#

The exchange shall take place in the water. The incoming swimmer shall approach the swimmer in the water from behind and overtake them; only after the overtake may the outgoing swimmer reach the boat. The two swimmers shall not touch each other nor lean on the boat. The exchange shall be completed within 5 minutes of the scheduled time.

The first swimmer shall start from the departure land and the last swimmer shall arrive on the arrival land, in accordance with Art. 2.2.

4.3.5 Equipment#

The relay shall be registered in a single equipment category. If even one member wears a wetsuit, the relay shall be registered in the wetsuit category; if even one member uses a performance aid, it shall be registered in the assisted category. The annotations provided for in Art. 3.4 shall be recorded for the member who makes use of them.

4.3.6 Exchange Log#

The observer shall record, in addition to the log provided for in Art. 5, the time of each exchange and the name of the swimmer entering the water.