In open-water swimming, the red card disqualifies you immediately for violating significant rules or for misconduct.
Red cards are issued by officials for unsafe behavior. These can include intentionally blocking others, striking other rivals, or disregarding safety regulations. When an athlete receives a red card, they are required to exit the competition and can be further penalized. This indicates the seriousness of fair play and safety in congested or challenging open-water conditions. Athletes should be aware of the rules and how to behave so as not to engage in activities that can injure themselves or others and result in a red card.