Section 3: Playing Area
- Course: closed loop typically 1.25 km or 2.5 km, multi-lap for 10 km and 25 km
- Turning buoys: large inflatable navigation buoys at each corner; swimmers must round on prescribed side
- Feeding station: floating dock or pontoon where coaches can pass food/drink to swimmers via long poles (10 km and 25 km only)
- Water temperature: minimum 16°C (race may be cancelled below); maximum 31°C (race may be cancelled above)
- Course depth: minimum 1.4 m for safety