CHARITIES might come and go and various methods of fundraising might go in and out of fashion, but it seems that the annual Swimarathon will always be with us.

This year’s big swim was the 39th and, despite the event’s longevity, there were no signs whatsoever that its popularity as a community occasion or a means of amassing money for worthwhile causes is in decline.

Indeed, despite the recession and other pressures on Islanders’ generosity, a record-breaking amount was raised by the 448 teams who swam and the many people who sponsored them.

This year the beneficiaries will be Holidays for Heroes Jersey, the charity for injured service personnel, and the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club.

The magnificent total of £137,000 – £2,000 more than last year – will, when all the sponsorship money has been collected, be available for distribution to these excellent organisations.

All those who, in one way or another, contributed to the success of the Swimarathon deserve both thanks and praise.

However, if one team is to be singled out for the role it played in raising the final total it must be the Royal Seals, the team led into action by the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Ridgway. Their sponsors have pledged an incredible £28,000.

But the efforts and rewards reaped by the Royal Seals must not obscure the efforts of all the other swimmers and their backers. Nor should we forget that an event such as the Swimarathon can succeed only if there is a small army of organisers, administrators and officials working in the background and at the poolside.

As ever, members of the Lions Club of Jersey were the backroom boys. They merit full recognition not only for their volunteer participation, but also for the slickness of the whole operation.

Meanwhile, in addition to the many small sponsors who support the swim and its aims, the five-day event also had a major corporate sponsor. For the past four years RBC Wealth Management have embraced this role enthusiastically.

As well as entering no fewer than 14 teams, the firm generously paid an extra 35p for every lap swum.

Next year the Swimarathon will celebrate its fourth decade. Long may it continue to be a highlight of the Island calendar and long may it continue to break fundraising records and to involve so many members of the community.