Date: Sunday, May 20, 2001 6:00AM

Location: From the town of Sherwood, out to and around Jefferson, Poplar and Coaches Islands and back to Sherwood.

Beneficiaries: This 6th annual event will collect pledges for Maryland Swim for Life to Benefit People with HIV/AIDS beneficiaries and a special TreeMendous Maryland fund to plant trees on a restored Poplar Island.

Conditions: This will be a very challenging swim in water likely to be no warmer than 65 degrees F. and with some strong currents to both fight and cross. A restoration project currently underway will also mean swimming around a great wall in the water approximately 1/2 mile wide and 2 miles long and staying away from work barges that may be present.

History: Previous marathon swims have crossed the Eastern Bay, circled Tilghman Island, gone down the Chester River, circled Wye Island and gone up and down the Chester River while raising funds for AIDS service and environmental groups.

Housing & Docking Support: Limited housing, docking, and boat launching will be available at Lowes Wharf.

Registration and Pre-Swim Supper: There will be pre-swim Saturday, May 19, 2001 supper and water safety meeting in Sherwood hosted by volunteers from that town who are also offering camping.

Race Day Breakfast and Lunch: There will be breakfast before Sunday's swim and a picnic celebration and awards ceremony at Lowes Wharf Marina Inn, the start and finish site of the swim.

Start Time: The starting time based on NOAA data will probably be no later than 6:00 AM.

Volunteers: Volunteers are sought to help, including boaters, paddlers and public safety officials. Plans are to have escorts for each swimmer on the water and vessels to monitor traffic and stand by for possible rescue efforts.

To volunteer, apply or receive more information contact: