HUNDREDS of swimmers will head to Poole for the return of the popular charity Open Water Swim Series to Sandbanks – and it is not too late to sign up.

The Poole Swim, organised by Human Race, the UK’s largest mass-participation events company, is the only sea swim of the six-strong series and takes place on Saturday, September 27.

Keen swimmers of varying abilities, will swim a course along the Sandbanks peninsula and back with participants having the option of a 750m, 1.5km or 3km dip.

“While many Poole Swim veterans will be back for more, it is also ideal as a first event for those who may not have tried open water swimming in the past, or are thinking about late season triathlon training,” said Chris Atkinson, of Human Race Ltd.

“It’s a superb opportunity to swim in a safe and friendly environment.

“Family, friends and colleagues are welcome along to watch the progress, offer support and get some impressive action shots.”

Everyone who enters the event will receive a swimming cap and a medal.

For safety the organiser’s Water Safety Crew will be on site at all times and Poole Lifeguards will also be keeping a close eye on the competitors.

The official charity partner is Sue Ryder, which offers hospice and neurological care across the UK.

Competitors have the option of fundraising for the healthcare charity that helps people with life-changing illnesses through hospices, care centres, in the community and in their homes.

So far this year competitors have raised thousands of pounds to help support the charity.

Entries will close on Monday at 9pm.

For more information and to secure a place, visit human race.co.uk/swimming.