It’s the biggest open water swimming event in Ireland.

Ranked an impressive No. 17 in the World Top 100 open water swims, The Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim takes place this Saturday, July 13th in Cork City Centre.

With Met Éireann forecasting clear skies and sunny conditions of 20C, almost 600 brave swimmers will tick the challenge off their bucket list this year, with participants ranging in age from 12 to 84.

This year’s competitors hail from 12 countries; the US, Australia, South Africa and Singapore to name a few and all will be raising vital funds for Cork Life Centre, an educational community for young people aged 12-18 years who have not managed or thrived in the mainstream school system.

Where to watch the action:

The start: The swim starts at 4.30pm by St. Vincents Bridge on the North Mall and follows a route 1700m downstream to the Port of Cork and 300m upstream.

The middle: The best vantage points will be along the quays and on the city’s bridges so get there early for the best view.

The end: The race finishes at the Clayton Hotel, so find a perch there if you’d like to cheer on the swimmers as they come in.

Seven Lee Swim Trophies will be presented to competitors by the Cork City Lord Mayor, and Joan Lucey of Vibes and Scribes at the Boardwalk by the Clayton Hotel after the race.

Swimmers, their families and friends are then invited to party the night away at the afterparty at the courtyard on Sober Lane.