Last year’s Round-the-Sound Swim — believed to be one of the largest open swim events in the world — has raised $6,000.

Of this total, $5,000 has gone towards Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) education fund and $1,000 towards the Bermuda Lionfish Taskforce.

In its 23-year history, the event has raised thousands of dollars for local charities. It takes place in Harrington Sound, with swimmers opting for various distances.

Race committee chairman Patty Hill said: “The event was again a great success with a record field of over 330 swimmers completing the various distances, ranging from 800 metres to the 10K marathon swim.

“The Round-the-Sound Swim attracts considerable international attention, with over 150 visiting swimmers flying in for the weekend to take part. They were joined by former Olympic freestyler Brooke Bennett, who also conducted a clinic for younger swimmers at the National Sports Centre pool during the weekend, in addition to speaking to students at Whitney Institute.”

BZS president Richard Winchell said: “Thanks so much to the Round-the-Sound committee and participants for their support. This is a wonderful event, fun for families both as swimmers and spectators. Harrington Sound is an ideal location and BZS and BAMZ will continue to do all we can to maintain the health and beauty of this unique body of water.”

Last year’s event was held on October 13 and this year swimmers will take to the water on the same date, a Sunday.

Details will be available closer to the date on the Round-the-Sound website www.roundthesound.bm.