Swimmers are classified according to their impairments and are grouped into three impairment groups – physical, mental and visual.
There are 14 different classes covering three groups of impairments.
S1 to S10: Swimmers with physical disabilities.
S11–S13: Swimmers with visual impairments.
S14: Swimmers with intellectual disabilities.
An athlete’s classification may vary for different swimming styles, as the nature of the impairment may affect their ability to perform a particular swimming style.
The rules are followed with some modifications, such as additional platform or in-water starts for some races, and the use of signals or “tappers” for swimmers with blindness/impaired vision; however, the use of prosthetics or assistive devices is prohibited.
