Some 59 swimmers in four teams swam a total of 278.4 kilometres and raised $16,762.50. The Lemming Lapstars won the team award. They swam 70.55km and raised $8420.

The highest individual fundraiser was Errol Kilov ($4470) while the youth award went to Charlotte Pilsbury-Milne, 12, from the Launceston Grammar  team ($455) closely followed  by Gabe Collette, 11, from the same team ($450). Riverside Aquatic won the best dressed team award (and also swam the furthest _ 87.75km), while former club captain Jack Sladden, 16, won the 100m sprint in 58.8 seconds.

Marika Sisa, of Melbourne, program manager for the MS 24-hour mega swim, thanked swimmers and supporters for their efforts. "We are so impressed with their hard work, effort, passion and commitment," she said.

Funds raised go towards scholarships, financial assistance programs and services to aid those living with multiple sclerosis.

Launceston Aquatic Centre will close for maintenance and upgrades from September 11 to 24. Work will include installing new flooring around indoor pool areas, realigning entry and exit areas, replacing some change room partitions, maintenance work on tiles and expansion joints in the 50m and program pools.

Backstroke is the focus of a JX clinic in Hobart on September 23. Melbourne coach Wayne Lawes will take the session and the cost is $10.

The Swimming Tasmania community day has a new format with an awards dinner at the North Esk Rowing Club, Launceston, on Saturday, October 28, from 6pm.