Mount Intermediate students are gearing up for the Sand to Surf tomorrow at Mount Maunganui, with 1000 expected to get their toes wet – and much more.

The events include the 200m ‘OceanKids' swim, 300m ‘give it a go' swim, 1000m ‘step it up' swim, 2.6km ‘I'm going long' swim and 300m tag team relay.

Eleven-year-old Mount Intermediate student Ellie Thompson is gaining free entry to the competition, after being drawn as the lucky winner at her school's swimming sports day this week.

Event organiser Scott Rice says there is a race for every skill level. 'It's for recreational swimmers, no matter what their ability, other than the fact they've got to be able to swim; that's the first tick box.”

Scott predicts whole families will turn up to watch participants, with past events drawing crowds of 1000 to 1500.

And with safety a high priority, a St John team and Surf Lifesaving NZ lifeguards will be present.

With the sign-up fee, participants receive a silicon swim cap, drawstring bag and extra goodies when they cross the finishline.

Warm showers will be available for those feeling the chill after racing. Scott says it's a popular race as 'it's a real ocean swim” and swimmers feel safe with lifeguards standing by.

If you missed sign-up, you can still participate by paying on the day.

The day starts 8.20am with a briefing for swimmers participating in the 2.6km ‘I'm going long' swim, at 10.25am those doing 300m ‘give it a go' and the 100m ‘step it up' will be briefed.

The 200m ‘OceanKids' briefing starts 11.15am, and 300m relay participants will be briefed 11.35am.

For more information, see www.oceanswim.co.nz/event/sand-surf