water front property and make the area safer for swimmers, Mr. Trott added.

Last year 180 swimmers participated in the event and raised $44,000 for the Pembroke Rest Home.

The year before $20,000 went to the Handicapped Association.

While organisers hope to attract many of those who participated in the Bank of Bermuda Team Triathlon yesterday, Mr. Trott said the swimathon was also for recreational swimmers.

"It's a race for people who want to race, but recreational swimmers can also participate,'' he said.

The event will comprise of four separate swims -- 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), seven-and-a-quarter kilometres (four-and-a-half miles), four kilometres (two-and-a-half miles) and two kilometres (one-and-a-quarter miles).