Competing among the waves and swimmers in tomorrow's Ocean Swim will be almost all of the Birkett family.
The Havelock North family, including father John, and kids Sarah, 8, Tyler, 10 and Ryan, 12, will be among the waves while mum Lisa stays on shore as "she's a little bit pregnant".
Theswim will be no problem for the family as all three kids are surf lifesavers and swim for the Heretaunga Sundevils.
"They're all good swimmers and they all enjoy getting out there and giving it a go," Mr Birkett said.
"I'm the slow one in the pack, they're the little fishes like their mother."
Lisa happens to be a world champion triathlete, so needless to say, swimming is natural for this family.
The Ocean Swim will be held in front of Hardinge Rd, between Perfume Pt and the port, and mirrors similar events in other regions with several races to suit all abilities.
There will be a 200m race for children and a 300m race for those new to ocean swimming, while a 1000m race will cater for intermediate swimmers, with a 2.8km race aimed at the more experienced swimmers.
While the youngest Sarah and Tyler will be doing the 200m race, Ryan will swim the 1km while John plans on doing the 2.8km.
Event director Michael Bassett-Foss said he had seen quite a few people training on the course in recent days and expected a big turnout.
