Synchronized swimming involves pairs or teams of swimmers performing moves such as boosts, lifts, twists and twirls. Only women compete in the sport. The aim is for swimmers to perform the routines in perfect harmony, in time with the music and with the illusion of effortlessness. All routines include up to 10 seconds of deckwork, if the swimmers choose to use it, which sets the tone for the routine but does not figure in the judging. Swimmers can choose their own musical accompaniment for the technical routine, but the routine s duration must be within 10 seconds of two minutes 20 seconds for duets and two minutes 50 seconds for teams.
Free routines aim for flair and drama and last four minutes for duets and five minutes for teams.
They incorporate difficult manoeuvres and must include changes in tempo and mood. Innovation, pattern changes, intricate patterns and aerial movements are all common. Two sets of five judges each assess each routine, one set judging technical merit and the other artistic impression. Execution covers strokes and other propulsion techniques and the precision of patterns. Movements should be smooth and effortless and swimmers should be high in the water.