An attempt to set a new world record will be staged in Raymond Terrace next week but more people are needed to achieve the feat.
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At least 255 people are needed to join Lakeside Leisure Centre's Aquathon on Tuesday, February 18 to break the world record for the Largest Aqua Aerobic Class, which is currently held by the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.
But Raymond Terrace Aquathon organiser Vicki Haines said the event was more than just a record-breaking attempt.
"It is being held as part of the NSW Seniors Festival to get more seniors out of their houses and involved in Aqua Aerobics but it is open to everyone and anyone no matter their fitness level," Ms Haines, Belgravia Leisure's aquatic operations supervisor, said.
"But the Aquathon is also about community. We'll be raising money for the Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service, we'll have firefighters and physiotherapists down here on the day available to talk with participants and Raymond Terrace Lions Club will be running a barbecue."
Regular participants of Belgravia's Aqua Aerobics classes from across the Hunter, including the Tomaree, Lakeside and Tilligerry pools, equating to about 120 people, are expected to take part in the Aquathon.
However, at least 135 more people are needed to take part in the event, particularly if the Guinness World Record for Largest Aqua Aerobics Class is to be broken.
The current record of 254 people participating in an Aqua Aerobics class at the one time was last broken at Queensland's Bundamba Swim Centre in 2018.
The Aquathon will be staged at Lakeside Leisure Centre in Raymond Terrace.
All participants will be in Lakeside's 50 metre outdoor pool by 10am for the start of the class, which runs for 45 minutes.
The class will be led by regular Aqua Aerobics instructor Karyn Ward.
The cost to participate in the Aquathon is $15, which will be donated to the Lower Hunter RFS.
Participants are asked to turn out to the pool at 9am to register for the event and pay.
Each registered participant will be given a blue wrist band on entry to the pool.
Ms Haines said the event was the ideal way for people to try Aqua Aerobics.
"Running, jogging and water walking in a swimming pool is the ultimate low impact, high cardio exercise that will strengthen the legs and hips," she said.
"Water acts as a cushion for the body's weight-bearing joints, reducing stress on muscles, tendons and ligaments.
"As a result, aquatic workouts are low impact and can significantly reduce the injury and strain common to most land-based exercises."
