have been trying to locate a rule book for open water swimming but figure I would just post my question... its been about 3 years since my last open water swim and I remember that it is totally legal to run as far as you can into the water to start and even do dolphin dives if possible.
My question is: if for some reason there is a point on the course where we can touch, is it legal to touch the bottom and even do some dolphin dives?
(i know some of you might see this as cheating but i really just want to know if its legal according to USMS).