What is a tapper, and when is one used?

Question

Accepted Answer

A tapper is a support staff member who warns a swimmer with a vision impairment that they're approaching the wall, by tapping them once or twice with an approved tapping device (World Para Swimming Rule 10.8.3). Sport class Tapping S11, SB11, SM11 Mandatory at every turn and finish All other classes (including S/SB12 and 13) Optional, and doesn't have to be the same throughout a race or competition If tapping is needed at both ends, there must be two tappers, one at each end. All tapping devices must be approved in advance and deemed safe (construction and length) by World Para Swimming. In 800 m and 1500 m events, the Inspector of Turns tells the tapper at 15 m and two lengths before the finish, and the tapper lets the swimmer know they're starting the last two lengths. In relays, the tapper may also tell the swimmer about changeovers and their position; an extra tapper may be needed. Use of a tapper is one of the codes of exception ("T") recorded at classification.

Sport class	Tapping
S11, SB11, SM11	Mandatory at every turn and finish
All other classes (including S/SB12 and 13)	Optional, and doesn't have to be the same throughout a race or competition