Nearly 30 Southern Water staff are preparing for the company’s annual Pier to Pier Swim in Brighton on Friday (26 June).
Their charity fundraising swim will be supported by Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Invictus Games gold medallist Mike Goody.
Both men are ambassadors for the company’s Learn to Swim scheme which has helped to teach nearly 700,000 children to swim since it started in 1992.
Some of the Southern Water swimmers will be throwing themselves in at the deep end for the first time when it comes to long-distance swimming.
They aim to complete the 1km swim from pier to pier to raise funds for WaterAid which works to provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the world’s poorest people.
The more experienced swimmers will also tackle the return leg.
Southern Water’s director of strategy Simon Oates said: “I’m really proud that our Learn to Swim programme has helped to teach so many children to swim.”
Mr Oates, who is taking part in the swim, said: “We are lucky to have 700 miles of coastline in Southern Water’s region which gives plenty of opportunities for swimmers to safely enjoy the sea.”
The swim is being sponsored by Southern Water’s Wellbeing Steering Group which is made up of companies from its supply chain.