When the starter says "swimmers step up" swimmers will start on either the edge of the pool deck or on the block.

The starter will say "swimmers place your feet," Swimmers will then place their feet with at least one foot on the edge of either the pool deck or the block.

The starter will then say "swimmers take your mark." Swimmers can choose to bend down into a start position.

Depending on the pool either a beep or whistle will signal when you may dive into the water.

If a false start happens (usually when someone goes early), there will be a lot of beeping and whistling to try to get all swimmers to stop swimming. The race will then be restarted.

The starter will say "swimmers in the water" at which time all swimmers will enter the water.

Next, the starter will say "swimmer place your feet." Swimmers must face the starting end and will grab onto either the wall or the block. Swimmers will place their feet on the wall below the surface of the water. If a swimmer's toes are out of the water or curled around the edge of the pool the swimmer will get disqualified.

Then the starter will say "swimmers take your mark." At this point, many swimmers choose to lift their body up to get a better angle to dive into the water.

Depending on the pool either a beep or whistle will signal when you may start.