How do timeouts work at the table?

Question

Accepted Answer

Each team may request up to two timeouts per match, and each timeout lasts one minute.

During play, only the team in possession can request one. During a stoppage, the team due to have possession at the restart can.
No timeout can be called during a VAR review or between periods.
It is requested by calling "Timeout" audibly and signalling to the officials' table or a referee with a capital T (one hand horizontal on top of one hand vertical).
A secretary or referee who hears or sees a valid request immediately whistles the timeout and stoppage.
The timekeepers whistle once 45 seconds have passed (players may then move anywhere in the Field of Play) and again at the end of the timeout.

If a team that does not have possession requests a timeout during play, play is stopped and a penalty throw is awarded to the opposing team.

Source: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (February 2026), Part Six, Articles 3.10.5, 3.11.2.2 and 5.