The competition was held from Tuesday to Thursday, 7 to 9 August 1928.

Twenty-one swimmers from twelve nations competed.

In the first heat Hilde Schrader set a new Olympic record with 3:11.6 minutes.

In the second semi-final she equalized the standing world record with 3:11.2 minutes.

Wednesday 8 August 1928: The fastest three in each semi-final advanced.