Community members gathered in Stamford to participate in the 17th annual Swim Across America Fairfield County Open Water Swim event.

Over 180 swimmers headed out from Dolphin Cove for a swim that ranged from a half-mile to 3 miles.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy in Stamford.

Organizers say the event brings people together to remember cancer victims.

“It's fun all the energy the swimmers and volunteers bring to it. Many of them are here to honor friends and family that they have lost. They are here to support current individuals that are battling cancer. They are also here to support survivors,” said Swim Across America Fairfield County co-chair Cristy Fraser.