THE countdown is on to next week’s Caldey Swim, where a shoal of 100 swimmers will make their way from the monastic island to the Tenby mainland.

The event, on Sunday August 12, has established itself as a popular and challenging one on the open water swimming calendar, and takes place in aid of Tenby Lifeboat and Tenby Surflink.

It is being sponsored this year by the Port of Milford Haven, Princes Gate Spring Water, Harbour Wealth, FBM Holidays, Tenby House Hotel and Four Seasons.

The swim is now fully subscribed and has a waiting list.

It starts from Caldey’s Priory Beach at 12.45 pm, with swimmers making the 2.5 mile crossing supported by a fleet of safety craft.

The finishing point is at the back of Tenby Harbour quay, with the first swimmer being welcomed home at around 1.25 pm. Entrants have until 2.45 pm to complete the distance.

There are still places available on the spectators’ boat - to book spaces, contact Val Coates Rees on 07473 178701.

The event is organised by Tenby Sea Swimming Association, whose chairman, Chris Osborne, said: "Fingers crossed for a temperate day and flat seas to do justice to all the preparations over the last 12 months."

For further details, including timings, visit Tenby-Caldey-Swim.co.uk