A member of the Burlington Masters Swim Club will attempt to swim across Lake Ontario this weekend.

Melanie Price of Hamilton will set out from Port Dalhousie late Friday night (just after midnight) with the goal of reaching Oakville 40 kilometres away.

She hopes to publicize her goal of raising money for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a registered charity working to restore and maintain the ability to swim, drink and fish in Lake Ontario.

Donations can be made at www.canadahelps.org/gp/11261.

A competitive swimmer since the age of 13, Price joined the BMSC in 2004 and has competed in various provincial and national championships on land and water, such as open water races, road races, marathons and triathlons.

Her attempt to cross Lake Ontario is sanctioned by Solo Swims of Ontario to ensure the safety of those involved.

Price will be in the water anywhere from 15-21 hours depending on the conditions she encounters, such as wave height currents and water temperature.

“There are many variables out of my control,” said Price. “My greatest fear is of letting people down. But even if I don’t make it, I will be proud of myself for continuing to work for this.”

Accipiter Radar will track the crossing with a live link on Price’s website, www.melaniepriceadventures.blogspot.com, where there will also be information about the event and how to make donations to Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.