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Trio to swim around Rotto

Ceinwen Roberts, attempting the first circumnavigation solo swim around Rottnest, with fellow swimmers Geoff Wilson, left, and and Wayne Morris. Picture: Lincoln Baker/The West Australian.

Three WA swimmers will attempt the first circumnavigation solo swim around Rottnest Island today.

Swanbourne * *personal trainer Ceinwen Roberts, 34, businessman Wayne Morris, 44, of Trigg *, *and builder Geoff Wilson, 50, of Subiaco, will attempt the feat at the same time starting at first light.

The trio, who met while training for the Rottnest Channel Swim in 2009, are swimming to raise awareness and money for the Scott Kirkbride Foundation for skin cancer research.

Roberts has achieved a "triple crown" in international solo marathons, having swum the English Channel, Catalina Channel and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim.

She said she was looking forward to the challenge of attempting something similar in home waters.

"To do this swim in my own backyard makes it special," Roberts said. "It's a very special and exciting swim for me."

The swimmer said she had not changed her routines in preparation for the swim but had done some research.

"It's continual training the whole year round, so I haven't changed anything in particular but we have studied the island a couple of times," she said.

Roberts will be used to the water conditions having completed the first triple crossing from Perth to Rottnest with fellow swimmer Rohan Hollick.

Her support crew will use shields for extra protection because of concerns over sharks.

Roberts said she was aware of the dangers but had great support behind her.

"They are always in the back of your mind, but I've got a great skipper, and my husband will be next to me like he always is, so I'm in the best hands," she said.

Roberts' husband Andy was a family friend of Kirkbride, who died at age 27 from skin cancer.