Wetsuit Guidance
Guidance regarding wetsuits and other swimwear for Swim England (ASA) National, Regional, County and Club events:
In accordance with FINA Technical Rules of Open Water Swimming, rule BL 8:
| Water Temperature | FINA Rule | Wetsuit? | Other swimwear permitted: Technical ‘FINA approved’ | Other swimwear permitted: Non-technical |
| 20 degrees or above | BL 8.4 | Non-wetsuit | Jammers; Kneesuits; OW tights; Full length OW suits | Jammers; Kneesuits; Swimming costumes; ‘Speedos’ |
| 18-19.9 degrees | BL 8.5 | Wetsuit Optional* | Jammers; Kneesuits; OW tights; Full length OW suits | Jammers; Kneesuits; Swimming costumes; 'Speedos' |
| 17.9 degrees and below | BL 8.5 | Wetsuit Compulsory* | ||
| 15.9 and below | Swimmers should not be competing |
* Wetsuits must completely cover torso, back, knees and shoulders (polo-shirt style as a minimum), and shall not extend beyond the neck, wrists and ankles. The outer surface of wetsuits must not include outstanding shapes, such as ridges, fins etc. Suitability of wetsuits will be subject to approval by the Lead Referee at the event who will have ultimate say.
FINA Requirements for Swimwear Approval (FRSA)
To buy a wetsuit, or not to buy a wetsuit?
Useful guidance on the Swim England Masters hub
