Here is a summary of the most important aspects:
In a close race, the winner is decided by a touchpad system. The swimmer who touches the wall first with any part of their body is the winner.
If a swimmer leaves the starting block before the starting signal, it is considered a false start. A single false start leads to immediate disqualification.
Each swimming style has specific rules. For example, in breaststroke and butterfly, both hands must touch the wall simultaneously at turns and the finish.
Swimmers must stay in their designated lane. Leaving the lane or interfering with another competitor can result in disqualification.
In relay events, the next swimmer must not leave the block before the previous swimmer has touched the wall. A premature takeover results in disqualification.