From 2015 to 2022 when the World Aquatics was still known as FINA (Fédération internationale de natation; International Swimming Federation), neutral athletes have competed under the designation Independent FINA Athlete (IFA) either due to their national federation's suspension of their governing body or as refugees.
Refugees have competed under the designation Athlete Refugee Team (ART) under the World Aquatics banner at the World Championships since 2023.