PEOPLE are being encouraged to take the plunge and support this year’s Taunton Soroptimist Swimathon.

There are still some lanes available for the charity fundraiser which will be taking place on February 21-22, 2015, at Taunton School.

Swimathon co-ordinator, Christine Briggs, said: “Everyone has a great time and it only takes an hour out of your weekend. You really do not need to be a good swimmer.”

People need to be able to swim 50 metres – two lengths of the pool – as teams of six swim in relay fashion for 53 minutes.

“It doesn’t matter if you swim doggy paddle or crawl or if your team swims 20 laps or 80,” added Christine. “It’s all about having fun while raising money for local good causes. Everyone gets a medal and there are lots of trophies to be won as well.”

Last year £21,000 was raised in the event and Taunton Soroptimists would love to beat that total in 2015 with the chosen beneficiaries of the efforts being St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, Ups and Downs South West, Benchmark and School in a Bag.

“All of our charities are local organisations who rely on the generosity of local people to fund their much needed work and for 26 years we have been able to provide some of that additional support,” said Christine.

So get your team together and book a lane by phoning the Swimathon Booking Officer on 01823 423187, emailing taunton.swimathon@outlook.com or book online at http://sigbi.org/taunton/soroptimist-swimathon.