What are the rules in the swim, and how long can I stay in the water?

Swim rules (World Triathlon rule 4.1):

• You may use any stroke, tread water or float. You may push off the bottom at the start and end of each swim lap, and elsewhere if the Technical Delegate allows it.
• You may stand on the bottom or rest by holding a buoy or a stationary boat. You may not pull or push on any object to move forward.
• Follow the set swim course.
• In an emergency, raise an arm overhead and call for help. Once official help is given, you must retire from the race.
• Contact: accidental contact followed by moving apart isn't penalised. Continuing to impede another swimmer without moving apart earns a time penalty. Deliberately targeting someone, or dunking, punching, scratching or kicking, means disqualification and possible referral to the World Triathlon Tribunal.

Maximum time in the water for age-groupers (rule 4.3):

Swim distances may be shortened or cancelled for very high or very low water temperatures (rule 4.4).