Rules of Marathon Swimming

  • Overview & Purpose
  • The Spirit of Marathon Swimming
  • Definitions
  • Standard Equipment
  • Nonstandard Equipment
  • Observers
  • Golden Rules of Marathon Swimming
  • Swim Rules
  • Using MSF Rules for Your Swim
  • Special Swim Types
  • Endorsements
  • End Notes

    • Definitions

    Marathon Swim

    A nonstop open-water swim, undertaken according to standardized rules, and requiring at least several hours of sustained effort to complete. Ten kilometers without significant assistance from currents is the minimum distance considered to be a marathon swim.

    Nonstop

    Remaining in the water for the entire duration of the swim from start to finish without intentional physical contact with escort vessels, support personnel, or other objects (fixed or floating).

    Unassisted

    Without artificial assistance to performance, other than the standard equipment of the sport. Any swim that benefits from assistance - in the form of nonstandard performance-enhancing equipment, supportive contact with the swimmer, or other violation of the spirit of unassisted marathon swimming - is considered an Assisted Swim.