What can I wear and use in the swim?

Q: What can I wear and use in the swim?

Under IRONMAN Competition Rules 4.01 to 4.04: Swim cap: wear the official cap provided at all times. If you wear two, the official one goes on the outside, including over a neoprene cap. Not wearing it may earn a time penalty, served in T1. Goggles or a face mask are optional. Banned (disqualification): snorkels, fins, gloves, paddles, and flotation devices of any kind, including pull buoys. Casts or splints need the Head Referee's approval beforehand. Booties (neoprene or other) are only allowed when the water is 18.3 °C or colder. When wetsuits are not allowed (rule 4.03), your swimwear must: be 100% textile, such as nylon or lycra with no rubberised material like polyurethane or neoprene. A zip is allowed; not cover your arms below the elbow or your legs below the knee. Sleeves from shoulder to elbow are fine; not include neoprene buoyancy shorts. Breaking these rules means disqualification. Athletes who need full body cover for religious or approved medical reasons may wear compliant textile covering everything except face, hands and feet, but must get the Head Referee's authorisation onsite before race day. Swim penalties are served in T1, as a referee instructs.

Question

Accepted Answer

Under IRONMAN Competition Rules 4.01 to 4.04:

Swim cap: wear the official cap provided at all times. If you wear two, the official one goes on the outside, including over a neoprene cap. Not wearing it may earn a time penalty, served in T1.
Goggles or a face mask are optional.
Banned (disqualification): snorkels, fins, gloves, paddles, and flotation devices of any kind, including pull buoys.
Casts or splints need the Head Referee's approval beforehand.
Booties (neoprene or other) are only allowed when the water is 18.3 °C or colder.

When wetsuits are not allowed (rule 4.03), your swimwear must:

be 100% textile, such as nylon or lycra with no rubberised material like polyurethane or neoprene. A zip is allowed;
not cover your arms below the elbow or your legs below the knee. Sleeves from shoulder to elbow are fine;
not include neoprene buoyancy shorts.

Breaking these rules means disqualification. Athletes who need full body cover for religious or approved medical reasons may wear compliant textile covering everything except face, hands and feet, but must get the Head Referee's authorisation onsite before race day.

Swim penalties are served in T1, as a referee instructs.