A SMALL group of five Port Douglas swimmers set off in the early hours on Thursday morning to compete in the Quicksilver Green Island Ocean Swim as part of the Cairns Adventure Festival.

This famous ocean swim offers competitors a chance to compete in a 1.5km or 3km race in the clear waters off Green Island, with the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef just below the surface. It makes for an interesting race while trying to swim fast as you see turtles, fish and coral below.

Irene Cats placed second in the adult female category in the 3km swim in a time of 43.03, just behind Swiss pro triathlete Caroline Steffen.

"After last year’s rougher than rough conditions we were all very excited about the forecasted conditions and to be able to enjoy the beautiful setting of Green Island,” Irene said.

Guy Ely took out the adult male category in the 1.5km swim in a time of 22.22, with Grant Knight finishing fourth (22.36) and Ben Gaske fifth (22.44).

Mitchell Knight was the winner in his junior male category and overall winner of the 3km swim in a smashing time of 39.36.

Four out of the five Port Douglas Swimmers are coached by Ben Eagle from Mossman Meteor, and the coach said all had shown great commitment in preparing for the event.

“Since coaching this small but dedicated group of athletes I knew this was the beginning of something great,” he said.

“The Far North Queensland region has not yet seen the true potential and high level of competition Port Douglas will bring in swimming to the surrounding areas. I am proud of the achievements of my swimmers and how far they have come.”

Feeling inspired? Register for the Swimfit Four Mile Beach Ocean Swim on September 10, with races including the Newsport 500m Swim, The Reef Marina One Mile Swim (1.6km), Hive Swimwear Two Mile Swim (3.2km) and the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Four Mile Swim (6.4km).

For more information visit www.swimfitforlife.com