What does an inspector of turns check, including lap counting and relay takeovers?

Under the World Aquatics Swimming Rules (Part Two, in force February 2026):

Turns and finishes: check that each swimmer touches the wall at every turn as their stroke requires, and report any infringement to the referee.

Distance freestyle (individual 400m, 800m and 1500m):

• Inspectors at both ends record the number of laps completed by the swimmer in their lane.
• Swimmers are shown the laps remaining using lap cards with odd numbers at the turning end (on deck or in the water).
• The inspector at the starting end gives a warning signal (whistle or bell) when the swimmer has two laps plus 5 metres to go, repeated after the turn until the swimmer reaches the 5m mark on the lane rope.

Relay takeovers: the inspector at the starting end judges whether the outgoing swimmer's feet are still in contact with the starting platform when the incoming swimmer touches the wall. Feet leaving early disqualifies the team. Other relay disqualifications include swimmers not swimming in the listed order, an exchange not starting from the platform, and a team member re-entering the water before all teams have finished.