The swimathon will raise money for the YMCA Open Doors program, a benevolent fund which gives those less fortunate the opportunity to learn to swim.

Mrs Fennell said the swimathon was a fun initiative which, in the long run, would give back to the community.

"We hope to involve as many schools, Wimmera adults, children from our aquatic education classes and members of clubs like the swimming clubs and triathlon clubs as we can," she said.

YMCA Victoria development manager Olivia Passmore said the swimming festival was the first of its kind.

"It's the first time we've had a national fundraising initiative, so we've very excited," Miss Passmore said.

"National and world 100-metre freestyle champion James Magnussen is ambassador for the swimathon and we have lots of inquiries from interested people."

Miss Passmore said participants were encouraged to complete as many laps of a swimming pool as they could between 8am and 3pm on February 11.

"We are asking participants to commit to raising a minimum fundraising amount to complete the swimathon," she said.

"So any number of laps that children can do is great - the money will go to assist their less advantaged peers and at the same time they can take part in a fun, sociable and palatable activity.

"Horsham North in particular is a pocket of disadvantage so many people from that community will benefit from the swimathon."

Miss Passmore said people could visit www.ymcaswimathon.org.au for more information, or to register.