Pentathletes swim 200, 100, or 50 metres depending on their age. Freestyle is the stroke of choice because it is the fastest. The faster the time the more points the athlete earns.
Race is by a whistle or start pistol start with a dive after a whistle to take your marks
After finishing, swimmers must stay in the water until referee signals to exit the pool
Judges will observe turns and times will be recorded
Clothing
Swimwear must be in good condition and non-transparent.
Swimming caps, goggles and nose plugs are allowed. At international competitions swimwear must meet approved FINA rules.
Skills
Technique
Strength
Scoring
Swimmers meeting set times will be awarded 250 points above or below each .50 seconds will be awarded +/- 1 point according to the points table for the swim event of the modern pentathlon.
This points table can be found in the swimming rules section of the UIPM website.
Complete rules for Pentathlon are available on the Union International de Pentathlon Moderne Website.