Can two swimmers share a lane in 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle?
Rule- Australia
- Masters Swimming Australia
- Masters swimming
- Swimming Rules
- General Rules
- Adults 18+
- 2026/27
- Swimmers
Yes, if the meet advertises it. With due notification, the Meet Director may arrange 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle to be swum with two swimmers of the same sex in a lane, with separate timing for each swimmer.
- The male and female events are conducted as separate events.
- The Meet Director may advertise that backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly are not permitted in those freestyle events when swimming two to a lane. Where a form stroke is permitted, the swimmer must have a lane to themselves.
- Each roped lane counts as two lanes and the start is staggered for the two heats of swimmers who will swim together.
- You stay on your nominated side of the lane, must not interfere with or foul the other swimmer, and must finish on your nominated side.
Source: Masters Swimming Australia Swimming Rules, June 2026, SW 3.7 (https://mastersswimming.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MSA-Swimming-Rules-inc-Multi-Class-Rules-June-2026-1.pdf).
Added 24 Oct 2026