They are calling out for swimmers of all abilities to help them make a big splash in an eight-hour swimathon to raise money and awareness for anti-bullying foundation Dolly's Dream.

Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre junior lifeguard teacher Luke Getsom said bullying was an issue affecting all club members at school, either directly or through friends.

They want the swimathon to start conversation with parents, friends or their lifeguard teachers, who were all aged under-25. Mr Getsom said it was important no child or teenager felt they were alone.

This is a particularly personal issue for Mr Getsom, a Dolly's Dream ambassador for the region, who was bullied from a young age.

"It's important that no-one gets bullied anywhere near me," the 18-year-old said. "It was extremely challenging daily for me, I was getting called things from rotating groups of bullies and I shut down a bit.

"After year nine, all the stuff they were saying, it got to a point when I told them I was done with it. I was standing up for myself. Once they stopped getting a reaction from me, they left me alone."

Mr Getsom hoped junior lifeguards and others taking the plunge for the swimathon would take this message back to their schools and clubs to call out bullying and help others.

Dolly's Dream was created in memory of Amy "Dolly" Everett by her loved ones after the Northern Territory teenager, known for modelling Akubras, took her own life after an extended period of bullying.

The swimathon is non-competitive. Participants can complete their laps swimming, water running or on inflatables.

BALC is suggesting creating teams of 10 for the day but the centre can also help individual swimmers find a team. One lane will also be open for those who just want to chip-in a few laps or take a paddle. Spot prizes, a raffle and barbecue will be running through the event.

Swimathon is at BALC on October 19, 9am-5pm. Entry $12 per person with all proceeds to support Dolly's Dream.

More details here.

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