When should the second swimmer jump in the pool in relay matches?

Question

Can they jump as soon as they can [avoiding a contact with the previous swimmer] or should they wait untill the first swimmer touches the wall?

Thanks

Answer 1

I think the first swimmer has to touch the wall.

Answer 2

When the first swimmer touches the wall.

Answer 3

if the timing is perfect, the second swimmer's toe is just touching the starting block as the first just touches the wall.  Any sooner is a disqualification....any later is lost time.

Answer 4

they try to time it so that their feet leave the blocks exactly when the first person touches the wall.  I think they have a grace period of like .02 or .03 sec.  They have electronic things that measure when they leave the blocks.

Answer 5

Here's what we practice:  Try following the first swimmer in with your arms extended.  When the first swimmer is on their last stroke before touching the wall, swing your arms back, then without hesitation, swing them forward.  Your forward arm motion should coincide with the first swimmer touching the wall, and you should have a good relay start.