The new, permissive rule allows backstroke ledges in pools that maintain a 6-foot water depth, measured from the starting end wall to at least 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall.

Greg O'Connor gives a safety check prior to the 200 meter freestyle competition in the winter swimming festival on frozen Lake Memphremagog, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Newport, Vermont.

A post-swim drink at the nearby EastSide pub, however, is allowed. Competitions start with the ‘Hat Swim,’ where participants wear custom-designed headgear as a show piece for the 25 meters.