Drafting allowed — swimmers may swim directly behind another to reduce drag; Contact tolerated provided not deliberately obstructive (no pulling, no submerging opponents); Swimmer responsible for own navigation — must round each turning buoy on prescribed side
Why people argue about this
People often assume that drafting is only allowed for reducing speed, not distance. But in reality, the rule specifically allows drafting behind another swimmer to reduce drag, which can be used strategically over a race course rather than just during the initial start or turn.
