Swimmers will be splashing out to raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI when they take part in the third annual Caldey Swim next month.

Sunday, August 2, is the date for the sea spectacle and 100 swimmers have signed up for the 2.5-mile challenge from the monastic isle to Tenby.

The event is now firmly established on the UK sea swimming calendar and last year, nearly half of those taking part came from outside Pembrokeshire.

The first three swimmers back were Oliver Simon, leading the field for the second year in succession, followed by Jake Jenkins and Paul Slack.

Swimming between Caldey Island and the mainland is a long-standing tradition in Tenby for individuals and small groups, but 2013 was the first time for the distance to be swum under the umbrella of the Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA), which has organised the town's legendary Boxing Day Swim for over 40 years.

Said TSSA chairman Chris Osborne: "Open water swimming is definitely a growing trend, and we have an iconic location in which to host it."

Last year's swim raised £7,000 for the RNLI and sponsors this year are Princes Gate Water, Big Brum's and Milford Haven Port Authority.

The swim departs from Caldey Island at 1.30 pm on Sunday, August 2, and the leading swimmers could well arrive by Tenby's old lifeboat station on the North Beach within 45 minutes or so.

Added Mr. Osborne: "We are now hoping that wind and water conditions will be favourable to the swim's successful conclusion."

Places are available on a supporters' boat which departs from Tenby at 12.30 pm. To book places, at £10, contact Val Coates Rees on [email protected]">[email protected]