On Saturday, Aug. 23, a number of hearty souls will swim from Des Moines Beach Park across Puget Sound to Point Robinson on Maury Island.

Funds raised by the third annual Brent Rice Memorial Swim will go toward a foundation that helps low income families afford swim lessons and promotes aquatic safety education classes in the Puget Sound area.

The swim is a 2.3-mile journey in fifty-degree water.

The event was started in 2006 by 17-year-old Justin Moser, who wanted to honor his friend and mentor, Brent Rice. Rice passed away four years ago in a car accident.

Rice once did the swim himself as a personal challenge from one of his brothers. He was a local swimmer who competed at both the state and national level, receiving All-American honors.

Swimmers must be intermediate or advanced, according to Moser.

"Although this is a fun event and for a great cause, the sound is very treacherous," Moser cautioned.

The Des Moines Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and volunteers will supervise the swim.

Moser is seeking more swimmers. Donors, sponsors, athletes and volunteers can get more information online at www.BRMSOS.com

In 2006, eight made the journey. Last year, 18 swimmers took the plunge, raising $1,000 for the Rice foundation.