Open water in Italy: what the FIN Masters 2025-2026 regulations say
On this page
Race types
The 2025-2026 open-water Masters regulations provide: Sprint Middle-distance (from 1,850 m, the nautical mile, to 2,500 m), Middle-distance (over 2,500 m and under 5,000 m), Long-distance (from 5,000 m to under 10,000 m) and the 4x1250 relay.1 Entry requires the FIN Masters card valid for the year and for open-water swimming.1
Safety buoy
In all masters events athletes must wear a buoy, preferably red, yellow or orange, between 40x30x20 cm and 60x30x25 cm (about 25-45 litres), with no storage compartment, tied at the waist with a strap no longer than 50 cm.1
Water temperature and wetsuit
In line with World Aquatics, water must be between 18 and 31 °C. At 20 °C or more a swimsuit is compulsory; between 18 and 19.9 °C the competitor may choose swimsuit or wetsuit.1 For cold-water risks see Open water and safety.
Time limit
For categories M20 to M65 the time limit is calculated from the time of the first male and first female master in the athlete's wave, adding 60 minutes in races up to 5,000 m and 90 minutes in longer ones. From M70 there is a senior wave with a single time limit calculated the same way.1
What we know and what we do not
This page reports the opening points of section I of the 2025-2026 Masters regulations. It does not report the whole regulation, calendars, fees or the rules of elite races or other bodies. When you enter, the FIN text in force and the race notice apply.
How we reviewed it
Reading of section I of the 2025-2026 open-water Masters regulations.
Limits. Section I only, 2025-2026 season, Masters sector; not the full regulation or other events.
Sources
- Federazione Italiana Nuoto. Regolamento Nuoto in acque libere Master 2025-2026, section I. federnuoto.it (section I text read)
Source rechecked on 28 October 2026. Wolf Lab is not affiliated with FIN.