looking for 250 or more good swimmers to help raise $40,000 for the Pembroke Rest Home.

This is the second year for the Harrington Sound event, which is organised by the Bermuda Sharks Swim Club and Bermuda Open Water Swimmers. Last year, the clubs were able to donate $20,000 to the Handicapped Association.

The Pembroke Rest Home is in great need of upgrading, particularly living room and bedroom furniture, lamps, carpeting and a new freezer. Much of the furniture in the home is at least 30 years old, and needs to be replaced.

Mr. Reeve Trott, one of the founding members of BOWS, said that unlike a regular race, speed is not the most important factor in the Swimathon. The number of `per-kilometer' pledges a swimmer collects is what counts.

"You don't have to be a fast swimmer to participate,'' said Mr. Trott. "A lot of people last year just swam the breaststroke, took in the scenery and chatted with other swimmers. We'd like to have everybody who can swim to come out and participate.'' Entrants will have four distances to choose from: 2k (1.25 miles), 4k (2.5 miles), 7.25k (4.5 miles) or 10k (6.214 miles). Swimmers will wear official colour-coded swim caps to designate their distance.

The Swimathon will circle Harrington Sound clockwise, using the islands and docks as course markers.

The first swimmers -- those on the 10k course -- will enter the water at 12:45 pm at the Aquarium. The other three distance groups will have their own starting points farther along the course. This `staggered start' should have most entrants crossing the Palmetto Bay finish line between 3:30-4 p.m.

As for safety, Mr. Trott said the course will be "one of the safest swims you will ever do''. Over 20 boats and kayaks will be on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly along the course. Medical personnel will also be present.

Prizes will be awarded to entrants with the highest number of pledges, and all swimmers are eligible for random raffle drawings. Prizes will be handed out at a reception planned for November or early December.

Mr. Trott promised a festive atmosphere, with refreshment stalls around the finish line area at Palmetto Bay.

Entry forms and information are available at the Sportseller in the Washington Mall or International Imports on Bermudiana Road. Although the entry deadline is October 9, late entries will be accepted up to October 14.