Still time to join the YMCA Swimathon

With just a few days left to register, the YMCA is encouraging Australians of all ages and swimming abilities to 'Dive In' and 'Help Out' at Australia's biggest pool-based swim, the YMCA Swimathon, being held on Sunday 11th March at more than 100 YMCA-owned or managed pools.

The not-for-profit, community organisation is also urging people to spread the word and enlist their friends, family and workmates and sign up and raise funds for their swim.

With all money raised staying local to each participating pool, the YMCA Swimathon is a great way for families to have a healthy, active day out and generate vital funds for locally run YMCA charitable programs, such aquatic education programs for children with special needs.

YMCA Swimathon Ambassador and one of country's brightest swimming stars, James 'The Missile' Magnussen, said it's not too late to sign up and start raising vital funds to benefit participants' local communities, stating "the work that the YMCA does is absolute gold. Not only do they offer learn-to-swim programs, but they offer a range of programs that give those doing it tough a chance to create positive changes in their lives."

YMCA Chief Executive Ron Mell say that the national event has been designed for Australians to come together for a great day out that will offer them rewards on many levels, stating "we want to see as many Australians as possible come out on Sunday 11th March for a great day of fitness, friendship and benevolence in their local areas.

"It's as easy as signing up online or at your local pool, committing to a distance and setting a fundraising target which start from $10 for under-fives or $50 for those aged 18 and above.

"There are options for juniors, seniors, families and teams, so it really is an event everyone in the community can get involved in.

"Another terrific aspect of the event is that the money raised by locals will go back into their local communities to support those doing it tough by giving them increased access to the Y's programs and services to help them make positive changes in their lives.

"With increasing economic pressure on Australian families, the YMCA has a responsibility, as a charitable organisation, to ensure that vulnerable people in our communities receive access to vital community programs and services.

"The benevolent programs at each participating Y will be expanded so we can assist more people in need, as well as implement new programs in line with the specific needs of the community.

"As the largest provider of aquatic education in Australia, the YMCA is also hoping to raise awareness of the importance of water safety through the YMCA Swimathon, and curb the incidents of drowning across the country."

A focus on water safety has never been more important, with 315 people drowning in Australian waterways in the year to June 2011, an increase in deaths for the third consecutive year.

For more information and registration details go to www.ymcaswimathon.org.au

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