Nationally, more than 50 Y-managed pools will take part, making it Australia’s biggest swimming event.

Since the first YMCA Swimathon in 2012, more than 3700 people have decided to ‘Dive In and Help Out’ to support people with a disability experience the joy of swimming, raising more than $330,000 in the process. 

Locally, the Macksville community has raised more than $5000. Significantly, all money raised by the community stays local.

Funds raised have been used to subsidise the YMCA’s SwimAbility program, providing one-on-one swimming lessons with specialised staff at the Macksville pool.

Last year’s local swimathon, in partnership with Macksville Ex-Services Club and in association with the Newcastle United Permanent Building Society, enabled the purchase of a hoist to give people with disabilities easy access to the 50m pool.

As well as the swimathon, it will be ‘Super Sunday’ at the Macksville pool this weekend, with a host of family-friendly activities scheduled to run from 9am to 3pm.

Activities will include a jumping castle, face painting, lucky door prize, aqua aerobics and a barbecue.

* People or teams interested in participating can register at the Macksville pool or online at www.ymcaswimathon.org.au.

Donations can be made directly at the Macksville Memorial Aquatic Centre or online (www.ymcaswimathon.org.au). Please advise if you require a receipt for tax purposes.