CAMDEN— The second annual Islesboro Crossing for LifeFlight open water swim fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7 a.m. Swimmers will start at Point Lookout Resort's beach in Lincolnville and finish just north of the Grindle Point Lighthouse on Islesboro.

It’s not just a swim, and it's not your typical fundraiser. It's a memorable day on the coast, taking advantage of some of Maine's finest qualities.

This year's event is sponsored by Point Lookout/Athenahealth, Speedo, Camden National Bank, Maine Magazine, Eaton Peabody, Jo Ellen Designs and Schooner Bay Taxi, with in-kind support from All Aboard Trolley and Quicksilver.

"Camden National is proud to support LifeFlight of Maine in the second annual Islesboro Crossing and in its ongoing efforts to provide a critical lifeline for Maine's rural and island communities," said Greg Dufour, president and chief executive officer, Camden National Bank. "The work that LifeFlight is doing far exceeds this singular event; its people and its transport service help save lives. As sponsors of last year's inaugural event, we are excited to see how the event is growing and look forward to joining the community and swimmers from across the country next weekend."

Every year, LifeFlight helps more and more critically ill and injured residents and visitors to Maine regardless of their ability to pay. Last year, the annual number topped 1,600, with a total of more than 17,000 since operations began in 1998. The nonprofit, statewide emergency medical helicopter service is a lifeline for Maine's remote and rural communities, but it relies on private donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to stay in the air.

Last year, the first ever Islesboro Crossing event attracted 40 swimmers who together raised more than $25,000 for LifeFlight. This year, nearly 70 swimmers so far have committed to making the journey across the channel and with more than a week still to go, they have raised more than $47,000, all of which goes to ensure everyone in Maine has access to the critical care they need, when they need it. This year's event will also include an athlete dinner on Friday evening at Point Lookout Resort, and a community gathering to welcome swimmers on Islesboro from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. If available, a LifeFlight helicopter may also make an appearance on Islesboro.

Experienced swimmers, along with volunteers and sponsors, who would like to take part in the 2014 edition of the Islesboro Crossing can register online at www.lifeflightmaine.org. The deadline to sign up is August 15 and the entrance fee per swimmer is $125 (participants can raise it or pay it themselves). Additional fundraising incentives are also being offered, including LifeFlight swag and Speedo merchandise. For further details on the swim, visit www.lifeflightmaine.org, or contact the LifeFlight Foundation at 207-230-7092.

LifeFlight of Maine is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit air medical and critical care transport organization. LifeFlight helicopters, flying at 165 miles per hour, bring lifesaving critical care staff and equipment directly to the patient. It also provides advanced emergency medical training to Maine's hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS) and public safety agencies. Overseen by 21 physicians, LifeFlight cared for more than 1,600 critically ill and injured patients last year.

Since its inception in 1998, LifeFlight has transported more than 17,000 patients from every hospital and nearly all of Maine's communities and islands. If you would like to learn more about LifeFlight, visit the website www.lifeflightmaine.org, or call 207-230-7092.