Open to swimmers of all abilities aged eight and over, participants can choose to swim in any of four different events ranging from 150m to 2km, inside the protected harbour.

Swimmers come from far and wide to take part in the Ocean Swims with entries received from Cairns, Wagga Wagga, Sydney and Moree.

The New England region is always well represented with a large contingent coming to the coast from Armidale and Tamworth.

The Armidale School (TAS) has entered a team of 110 students in the two kilomatre swim, making up over one quarter of all swimmers in this event.

This is the largest contingent of TAS students to date - a huge increase on the two students who first took part in the event in 2003. 

Race Director Noel Phillips said it is great to see so many swimmers from inland regions taking part in the ocean swims.

"There is a very high standard of swimming from some of the regional areas in NSW and although many of the swimmers haven't had a lot of experience in the ocean, they often feature prominently on the podium," Mr Phillips said.

"There are a handful of swimmers who haven't missed an event since the swims started in 1998. Locals Michael Tonks and Greg Swan will be lining up for their 22nd swim, joined by Dave Alexander from Brunswick Heads.

"Whatever your motivation, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy yourself. Just by taking part, you'll also be helping to support local charities."

The Coffs Ocean Swims donate all proceeds to local community groups who assist in the running of the event including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Urunga Surf Clubs, Rotary Daybreak, Marine Rescue and the Disabled Surfers Association.

Since 2013, when Village Sports took over the running of the Ocean Swims, over $68,000 has been donated to these groups.

The Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Swims offer the 600m Jetty swim for ages 10 and over; the 2km Harbour swim for over 12s; and the 150m and 300m Junior Swims for 8-14 year-olds.

All events are held at the protected Coffs Jetty Beach with qualified surf lifesavers on duty and are open to all levels of experience.

Online entries are available until Friday, April 5. Late entries can be made on race day and will incur a $10 fee.

For more information and to enter this iconic event, go to villagesports.com.au.

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