Turn (swimming)

In swimming, a turn is a reversal of direction of travel by a swimmer.

A turn is typically performed when a swimmer reaches the end of a swimming pool but still has one or more remaining pool lengths to swim.

In competitions, there are judges or pressure pads in each lane to verify that a swimmer has touched the end wall while turning.

A short course race has more turns than the same-distance long course race, and the world record will be quicker because of the leverage provided by push-off turns.