Wisconsin Swimming
FINA Whistle Start
This is the USA Swimming rule effective May 15, 2000.
102.14 STARTER

.2 The Start

  1. At the commencement of each heat, the Referee shall signal to the swimmers by a short series of whistles to remove all clothing except for swimwear, followed by a long whistle indicating that they should take their positions on the starting platform and remain there. In backstroke and medley relay events, at the referee's first long whistle the swimmers shall immediately enter the water and at the second long whistle shall return without undue delay to the starting position (101.3.1).
  2. When the swimmers and officials are ready, the Referee shall signal with an out-stretched arm to the starter that the swimmers are under the Starter's control.
  3. On the Starter's command "take your mark", the swimmers shall immediately assume their starting position with at least one foot at the front of the block. When all swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.
SUMMARY

FORWARD STARTS

3 SHORT whistles for swimmers to prepare / be ready.
1 LONG whistle for swimmers to get up on the bock and assume the starting position.
"Take Your Mark"
Starting signal (beep)
BACKSTROKE STARTS
3 SHORT whistles for swimmers to prepare / be ready
1 LONG whistle for swimmers to enter the water and get their heads up out of the water
1 LONG whistle for swimmers to come to the wall, place their feet, and assume the staring position.
"Take Your Mark"
Starting signal (beep)