The Central Remedial Clinic hopes their month-long Get in the Sea for the CRC fundraiser goes swimmingly.
The event kicked of at 2pm at Dublin's Dollymount Strand - organizers are hoping 300 swimmers will raise €50,000 to support people with disabilities across the country.
Paralympic swimming champion Ellen Keane led the beachgoers into the Irish Sea.
"CRC has a special place in my heart because I learned to swim in the CRC swimming pool as a child," Keane said.
"I'm happy to support the CRC’s Swim in July because it brings together two things I'm passionate about: swimming and advocating for disability rights.
"I want to get people talking about the rights of people with disabilities and I hope that I can make a difference by using my voice and sharing my experience.
"My hope is that Ireland will become a more inclusive and accessible society. I hope to inspire people with disabilities to go for gold and I hope to inspire society to be more accepting.
"Please join me and support the Get In The Sea for The CRC campaign, together we can make a huge difference.”
Those taking part are asked to complete 10 sea swims in the month of July.
