Sixteen-year-old Julian Aenishaen-slin from Ballina bagged the men’s 600 metres and two kilometres double at Copeton Dam last year, and then fourteen-year-old Madeline Nilon from Caniaba, near Lismore, claimed the same titles in the women’s events.

To date about 60 entries have been received from as far away as Melbourne, Brisbane and Coffs Harbour.

This year’s swim will be held on Saturday, April 26. It will feature a more open course, plus a new five kilometre race.

Winners of the two and five kilometre events will pocket $300, and there will also be prizemoney for the placegetters. 

One hundred dollars will go to the 600 metres winners plus prizemoney down to fifth.

The swim has been dubbed the Swim with Altitude and has attracted the attention of former Olympian and Australian legend Ky Hurst who will be on hand to help out the competitors in the McDonalds 600 metres swim.

Ky will stay at Copeton State Park with his partner and young son and has indicated his willingness to be the ambassador for this year's event.

The latest water temperature reading at Copeton Dam was 25.5 deg and all the planning is in place for a great event.