There is much physical contact as the pack swims along the course, especially around the turn buoys and in and out of the feeding station. As in other sports, the swimmers can be called for fouls or disqualified by three referees who closely follow the swimmers in boats throughout the race. The referees give three types of calls. A whistle is given as a warning when a swimmer impedes another competitor. These warning whistles are frequently given. A yellow card is given if the infraction is more serious. Impeding can mean purposefully veering another swimmer off-course, swimming over a competitor’s legs or back, knocking, banging or pulling on arms or frequently hitting another competitor’s feet or legs. When a yellow card is given, the swimmer’s number is written on a whiteboard so the entire field can see from the water. Several yellow cards are generally given in a race. Receiving two yellow cards leads to an immediate disqualification. A red flag indicates unsportsmanlike conduct for the most serious infraction such as punching, pulling back a competitor or swimming aggressively over a competitor. A red flag also leads to an immediate disqualification. Red flags are less frequently given.
Did anyone see the interview with the two female medallists after their 10k swim? It was amazing, they looked and talked like they'd just done a couple of lengths down the local pool. Immense fitness.
