The venue of the popular fund raising event was forced to change this year - moving to Palatine Swimming Pool in Blackpool after the closure of St Annes baths.

Organisers say that numbers this year are down and they believe it is because competitors may be reluctant to travel the extra distance.

Event organiser Joe Woods said:"This is such a good charity event with all the money being distributed locally, I would hope that local swimmers will want to join in and do their bit.
"Unless more teams enter then there will be far less money to donate to local charities in 2009"

The Swim Marathon has raised more than £140,000, all of which has been given to local charities or to help local people benefit from nearby specialist medical treatment centres

The 2009 event, which takes place on February 8, will be the 23rd Swim Marathon and all money raised will go to Brian House Children's Hospice in Bispham

Each team should consist of eight swimmers with a non-swimming team captain.

However the organisers have decided to be more flexible this year and have allowed teams with fewer swimmers in the past.
Teams wishing to enter can get application forms from Joe Woods on (01772) 467921