The Ararat YMCA raised $3589 this year, which will be used to provide training for staff in disabilities and provide lessons to people with disabilities in the Ararat area for no cost and eliminating all barriers.

While the event is now complete for 2014, there is still time to donate, donations can be made at the YMCA or online at ymcaswimathon.org.au.

YMCA Swimathon organiser Vanessa McKinnon said the event was run to raise funds so everyone in the Ararat community can have the opportunity to learn to swim and be safe around water.

"It was simply wonderful to see the swimmers aiming for their best, we had members of our swim lessons, swim squads as well as members from the Ararat Swim Club, Ararat YMCA staff and many others, all diving in to help out," she said.

"We also had a family fun day where people participated in a range of activities whilst supporting our wonderful swimmers."

More than 1,500 people swam at 79 pools across Australia, and thousands of kids took part during their regular YMCA swimming lessons in the lead up to Sunday's event that in total raised $140,000 across Australia.

YMCA Australia CEO Ron Mell congratulated the Ararat YMCA on its efforts.

"It's really heartening to see so many local pools and communities getting behind this event to make sure there are no barriers to people having the chance to learn to swim," he said.