The wetsuit rules change by race and governing body but the general rules for ITU races are:

Elite athletes in the Olympic Games and ITU Events:

Swim Length         Forbidden above                   Mandatory below                     Maximum stay in water
1500m                    20 deg. C                                14 deg. C                                   30 min
1500-3000m            23 deg. C                                15 deg. C                                   1 hr  40 min
3000-4000m            24 deg. C                                16 deg. C                                   2 hr 15 min

Junior and Age Group competitors:

 
Swim Length         Forbidden above                   Mandatory below                     Maximum stay in water
1500m                    22 deg. C                                14 deg. C                                  1hr 10 min
1500-3000m            23 deg. C                                15 deg. C                                   1hr 40 min
3000-4000m            24 deg. C                                16 deg. C                                   2 h 15 min

Last updated on May 3, 2007 by David Ardley