An in-water finish occurs when contestants finish at the mark or mat within the water, rather than existing at the shore.
This type of finishing is simpler in pool competitions, such as open-water training swims or triathlon phases, as it does away with exit ramps or docks. The last stroke is taken by the swimmer and the swimmer extends to hit the floating pad or the wall, initiating the timing machines. To complete finishing in the water, there is no requirement to swim further or turn on land. It can be easier to transition and reduce congestion with this type of finishing as compared to land finishing.
