If Olympic pools are 6 feet deep, how is it that swimmers can stand in the pool at the end of their races? ?

Question

I read that Olympic pool criteria includes that they be at least 6 feet deep because wave reflections from shallower pools would interfere with the racers getting their fastest times. Yet I see the swimmers stand in the pool at the end of their races. Is the 6 foot requirement relaxed near the finish line?

Answer 1

I've not heard the wave reflection theory, but it might be true.

All Olympic pools I've ever seen have one 6ft end, which comes up at a fairly sharp slope then nearly levels off, to give a 3ft depth at the other end. This makes a 6ft deep trench under the diving boards. This is enough to prevent divers hitting the bottom, even off the highest board. The shallow end at the same time allows people to stand up and have a rest.

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        \--__    is roughly the shape.

Answer 2

Actually, the pool in Beijing is three meters (9 feet)!  The swimmers aren't standing, they hold onto the edge of the pool.