When can my child start off the blocks?

Racing starts are taught under strict water-depth rules (Article 103.2):

• Learning to dive: until a USA Swimming member coach certifies your child as proficient at racing starts, all racing starts must be from in the water, whatever the pool depth, and the backstroke ledge can't be used.
• Teaching racing starts (and later changes to technique) must happen in water at least 6 feet deep from 1 to 5 meters out from the wall, under the direct supervision of a member coach.
• After certification, your child can practice racing starts in water at least 4 feet deep.
• Shallow pools: where the water at the starting end is less than 4 feet deep, every swimmer must start in the water, and backstroke ledges aren't allowed.

State or local laws may set stricter depth limits.