What general race rules apply in every event?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under World Aquatics rules (Part Two, Article 10.2), in every race a swimmer must:

Complete the full distance (or their quarter in a relay).
Start, stay in and finish in their own lane.
Touch the wall at every turn, and not take a stride or step off the pool bottom.
Not stand or walk on the bottom, except in freestyle events or the freestyle leg of medley events, where standing is allowed.
Not pull on the lane rope.
Not obstruct or interfere with another swimmer.
Not pace another swimmer or use a pacing device or plan.
Leave the pool as soon as possible after finishing, without interfering with anyone still racing.

A breach means disqualification from that event. A swimmer who enters the water during a race they're not entered in is disqualified from their next scheduled race instead. If a breach hurt another swimmer's chances, the Referee may allow that swimmer a re-swim.