Mass start: all swimmers enter water at signal (typically from pontoon dive-in); False start rules apply — second offense = disqualification; Drafting allowed — swimmers may swim directly behind another to reduce drag
Why people argue about this
People often assume that since drafting is allowed in open water swimming, they can use it aggressively to gain an unfair advantage by closely following other swimmers without permission. However, the key fact clarifies this: while drafting is permitted, it must not be done deliberately to obstruct or hinder another swimmer.
