The starter should recall the swimmers if there is a false start, however recent rule changes have resulted in disqualification on the first false start therefore no recalls. The referee will be the ultimate arbitrator for false starts, with the indication of a flase start coming from the reaction time measured via the electronic timing with pressure pads in the starting blocks
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A false start is when a swimmer enters the water either intentionally or accidentally in a swimming race before the starting signal is given. This may mean the swimmer feel off the block before the start, or the swimmer left the block, even by a faction of a second to fast.
A 'declared false start' is when the false start is official, and the swimming as been officially disqualified from the race. This means they will be ineligible to receive a placing or time for the race.
It is a rope 15m from the starting blocks that stops swimmers that didn't hear the false start sound in a false start situation. It is no less than 1.2m above the water.