Swimming works with fine margins. Meets come down to the milliseconds and the construction and installation of your backstroke flags can be the difference in building a safe, high-performance environment.
Competitor Swim is home to industry-leading backstroke flags. Top swim programs trust their athlete safety to our team, and we’ve put the time and research into ensuring they meet sanctioning requirements.
But the type of backstroke flags you buy is just one factor in creating a competitive swim environment. How you install the swim flags with the right placement and tension makes an impact. Here’s your guide to proper installation.
The Role of Backstroke Flags
Backstroke flags are not pool décor. They offer critical visual cues to backstroke athletes for when they are nearing the wall. The goal is to hang them five meters from the wall as that’s the industry standard and what swimmers will be used to if they have swum in other competitive pools.
Placing the flags well and using the appropriate tension ensures not only athlete safety, but compliance with governing bodies, including USA Swimming and World Aquatics (formerly FINA).
Backstroke Flag Placement Best Practices
Three factors guide backstroke flag placement best practices. Here’s what you need to know about where to hang your flags.
1. Follow the 5-meter Rule
USA Swimming and World Aquatics follow the 5-meter rule. This states that backstroke flags should be placed 16 feet and 5 inches from the pool wall, which helps indicate to athletes where they should turn.
When hanging your flags, ensure that you are measuring the distance from the wall and not from the pool’s edge or gutter.
Check measurements on both sides of the pool so that the flags are symmetrical on both ends of the pool for a fair environment.
2. Hang at the Correct Height
For good visibility and depth perception for athletes, you should hang your backstroke flags at the same height as other competitive environments. The rule is that they should be 1.8 to 2.5 meters from the water’s surface. That’s 6 to 8 feet above the water to allow for optimal visibility.
3. Line Centering
Hang your backstroke flags directly over the centerline of each lane. Poorly aligned flags can disorient swimmers, which puts them at risk of turning at the wrong time or hitting the wall head-on.
Getting the Right Backstroke Flag Tension
The tension of your backstroke flags is especially important if you manage an outdoor pool. That way, the flags won’t bounce or sag in the wind. You have many options for how to secure your flags to ensure proper tension.
1. Use Turnbuckles or Tensioners
These devices make it possible to adjust the tension on one or both ends of the flag line so you can fine-tune the tightness of your flags while ensuring you don’t overstretch the rope.
Try not to secure the flags with fixed knots. That will make adjusting the flags challenging, and you might damage the cable or rope during such adjustments.
2. Anchor the Flags Securely
Avoid using temporary solutions or removable fixtures for anchoring your backstroke flags. Instead, favor double anchors, such as wall plates or stainless-steel eyebolts for securing your flags.
3. Go with Durable Materials
Make sure your flags are UV-resistant if they will be outside or if there are ample windows in your pool area. That way, they stay vibrant and visible to protect swimmers.
4. Inspect Your Flags Regularly
Check your flags for signs of the following:
- Fraying rope
- Worn cable
- Loosened tension
- Faded flags
- Torn flags
Replace components of your swim flags to maintain a safe, visible environment for your swimmers.
Why Choose Competitor Swim Backstroke Flags
We’ve designed our backstroke flags for the ultimate performance. They meet competitive standards and will last season after season to make your pool look great and ensure swimmer safety.
Plus, you can design the flags to match your local swim team’s colors and contrast from your pool ceiling to ensure strong visibility.
Installing swim flags is not complicated, but a little extra care and precise measuring will protect your ability to serve as a host pool for sanctioned competitions. Explore our backstroke flag selection or contact us with questions about how to hang the flags properly or learn more about your customization options.
