Poole Lions Club Swimarathon kicked off with a splash when Commonwealth Games silver medalist Karen Legg was first to take the plunge.

More than 160 teams turned up to help raise money for charity at the event held in January, 2000. These numbers were slightly less than expected due to an epidemic of influenza at the time.

Swimmers were split into groups of six who took to the water to cover as many laps as possible to raise sponsorship money.

The 22nd annual Swimarathon at the Poole Dolphin swimming pool in Kingsland Road took place over two days with teams from local schools, businesses and other organisations competing side-by-side.