Background

Swimming was one of the first sports to be incorporated into the Paralympic Games programme in 1960.

The majority of rules for Paralympic swimming are the same as those for able-bodied competitions. There are various ways for swimmers to start their race: in the water, a dive start, sitting on the starting platform or the typical standing start.

During a swimming event, swimmers who are blind are required to have an assistant to help him/her as he or she approaches the swimming pool end wall, either to make a turn or at the finish of the race. This process is called tapping and performed by a "tapper". These swimmers are also required to wear blackened goggles in all their events.

BT Paralympic World Cup

At the BT Paralympic World Cup swimmers compete in five events: Individual Medley, Butterfly, Backstroke, Freestyle and Breaststroke.
Races are held in a 50m pool and in any one class swimmers may start with a dive or in the water depending on their ability.

For 2011 Paralympic Gold Medalist and Young Sports Personality of the Year Ellie Simmonds will be competing, so if you want to see her live ask your school to apply for free tickets on our website! 

Did you know?

Lane orders for finals are decided from the times recorded in the heats. The fastest qualifiers swim in the middle lanes which is designed to create a spearhead format in the pool and therefore provide the spectators with the best view of the race.

Downloadable Education Pack

The Swimming Education Pack contains a variety of classroom and outdoor activites to help children connect with the sport of Swimming and to gain a better idea of the challenges that some athletes face.

Click here to download the Swimming Education Pack

Get Involved in Swimming

Please click here on how to get involved with swimming in your local area.