On Aug. 14, intrepid athletes will once again brave the chilly 50-degree waters of Puget Sound to swim 2.3 miles between Des Moines Beach Park and Point Robinson on Maury Island.

Monies raised for the event by sponsors, athletes and donors will go to the Brent Rice Memorial Foundation.

Seventeen-year old Justin Moser, who wanted to honor his friend and mentor Brent Rice who passed away just over four years ago in a car accident, started the swim in 2006.

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

With forty-five swimmers taking the plunge in 2009, the foundation raised $4,000. The first year, eight made the journey.

The foundation will help provide swim lessons for low-income families and aquatic safety education programs in the Puget Sound area.

Last year's funds will be awarded to Mt Rainier Pool, Kent Meridian Pool and Evergreen Pool for swim lessons and other aquatic programs.

The foundation's goal is to have one hundred adventurous athletes join in the quest to swim the Sound. Volunteers, lifeguards, the Des Moines Fire Department and the US Coast Guard, will run the swim.

Swimmers who want to participate must be intermediate or advanced. Although it is a fun event and for a great cause, the Sound is very treacherous, swim sponsors warn.

Donors, sponsors, athletes and volunteers who are interested can get more information online at www.BRMSOS.com. All donations can be sent to BRMSOS, 2452 Alki Ave SW #301, Seattle, WA 98116.