-- may well be the farthest thought from the minds of most.

But Harbour Swim Club want all to think again, because swimming -- and a lot of it -- is exactly what they have in store for the pre-Christmas period.

So much so that the club have planned a rigorous training camp that will involve more than two dozen of Bermuda's top swimmers, including leading youngsters Graham Smith and Roy Allen Burch and many others that took part in the Pan American championships.

There is also hope that Olympian Stephen Fahy might take time out from his schedule to play a role in the camp, one which will have action taking place both in and out the water from December 17 to the 22.

Stephen Castree, head coach at Harbour Club, said training would entail dry land exercises at Elbow Beach, weight work at The Olympic Club, as well as at least 10 sessions in the BASA Pool.

And, while Harbour are the hosts of the event, all clubs will be represented, including Sharks, Dolphins and Triangles.

"We're looking to achieve better integration between all the clubs in Bermuda,'' explained Castree. "We have an integration of coaches and are generally looking to achieve an enhanced level for local swimmers in relation to what is being done in the rest of the world.

"Right now we're basically at the end of season, so we're doing it as an intense session, with some 50,000 metres to be covered in the pool.

"It's something of a springboard to the winter season.'' A typical day might see participants in the water from 7-9 a.m., at the gym from 12 noon-1.30 p.m. and back in the water or on the beach from 6-8 p.m.